Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes into detail about Russell Westbrook, what he means to OKC

From one all-time legend to another, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed his flowers to Russell Westbrook on the final day of NBA training camp. The two-time MVP winner spoke at length about his retirement and what he meant to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Both are part of the very-exclusive club of Thunder franchise players. Only Kevin Durant can proudly say he's also part of that circle. Gilgeous-Alexander was very warm and appreciative of Westbrook's epic Hall-of-Fame-esque career.

Westbrook played 18 NBA seasons. The first 11 were on the Thunder. He enjoyed his best years — both individually and at a team level — in OKC. That's where he became an MVP winner, broke the triple-double record, was a perennial All-Star/All-NBA member and had his deepest

postseason runs.

Here's everything Gilgeous-Alexander said about Westbrook and his time on the Thunder:

On Westbrook's career:

"He is as dynamic as they come in terms of an NBA player, personality and teammate. Russ is the whole package. He's the foundation for what we stand on now. Part of the reason why the city is what it is is because of Russell Westbrook. He deserves all those flowers for what he's done off the court and on the court.

"Obviously, a little shocking that it's this soon. He had a little bit more in the tank. But yeah, everyone has their own journey. He deserves his flowers. I think it's kind of how the world is. Usually, you get them when you're done. It's unfortunate. But what he's done for the game of basketball, for the kids, for the city, for the world, has been special. And we'll miss Russ."

SGA on Russell Westbrook: “He’s as dynamic as they come in terms of NBA player, personality, teammate… He deserves all those flowers for what he's done off the court and on the court. Obviously, a little shocking that it's this soon. I thought he had a little bit more in the… pic.twitter.com/DBzCWkcC0G

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 5, 2026

On carrying Westbrook's torch in OKC:

"Russ is Oklahoma's baby, so I don't think there'll ever be another. He was their first guy. You feel him in the streets. Russ is everywhere. He's a pioneer for what we stand on. It's hard to even compare. But yeah, hats off to Russ and his career. It was amazing. It was beautiful and hopefully, we all get to that level of inspiration with him."

SGA on Russell Westbrook: “Russ is like Oklahoma's baby, so I don't think there'll ever be another. He was their first guy. You feel him in the streets. Russ is everywhere. He’s a pioneer for what we stand on.” pic.twitter.com/N5UjEfSCvT

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 5, 2026

On his relationship with Westbrook:

"We started off with the same agents, so that's where the relationship first built. He's honestly just a great human being. Despite what people have said about him in the past and stuff like that. Russ is amazing. He's always been a phone call away if I need something. If I needed to bounce something off him. If I needed some advice. He's the real deal. He's an A-plus human, an A-plus basketball player. It doesn't get better than Russ. He's my guy. Had a great career. Sad to see him go, though."

SGA on his relationship with Russell Westbrook: “He’s honestly just a great human being, despite what people have said about him in the past. Russ is amazing. He’s always a phone call away.” pic.twitter.com/oX0r8J3BLm

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 5, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes into detail about Russell Westbrook, what he means to OKC