Kevin Durant vs Russell Westbrook: Oklahoma City Thunder PG Reacts to KD's 'Selfless' Praise for Golden State Warriors
The relationship between former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continues to drift apart. The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard recently gave a sarcastic reply when asked to comment about KD's "selfless" praise for the Golden State Warriors' environment.
The Perceived Veiled Shots at the Thunder
Durant told Anthony Slater of The Mercury News last week that he feels really grateful to play for a team like the Warriors. He said that he is surrounded with a bunch of "selfless" players who enjoy the game of basketball in its purest form. He stressed that the players and the environment of the Warriors made his free agency decision an easy one.
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According to ESPN, Durant's comments were perceived as underhanded shots at the Thunder. But the 28-year-old small forward immediately clarified that he is not slamming his former team and teammates.
KD emphasized that his book with the Thunder is already closed and he is focused right now on how to prepare and have fun with the Warriors. He said he is not looking backwards and insisted that his comments are not a knock on Oklahoma City and his past teammates.
Westbrook's Sarcastic Reaction
When asked to react about Durant's "selfless" praise for the Warriors, Westbrook briefly commented that his former teammate's remark is "cute". When pressed if he felt like it was a veiled attack at him or the franchise, per Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, the 27-year-old point guard answered that Durant's remark is none of his business.
Westbrook stated he does not care about what Durant says or whether or not it is an underhanded jab at the Thunder. He said that his job is to worry about what is going on with the Thunder. He sarcastically added that his job is to worry and figure out all the selfish players in the Thunder.
From Allies to Rivals
The bad blood between Westbrook and Durant started after the latter's controversial free agency decision to depart from the Thunder and sign with the Warriors. Westbrook is among the sports personalities who expressed disappointments with KD's decision.
Durant made it clear on various occasions that he and Westbrook were "cool". However, at the media day, Westbrook disagreed to his former teammate's claims. He revealed that he has not spoken to Durant since the much-talked departure.
Durant's exit from the Thunder instantly made Westbrook the face of the franchise. On the other hand, his arrival to the Warriors made the franchise's roster earn the super-team label for the 2016-17 NBA season. He will play alongside All-Star players Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
