The Oklahoma City Thunder could be holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy as soon as June 13.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inspired a takedown of the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
GettyRussell Westbrook is big into his fashion[/caption]The Indiana Pacers toppled the New York Knicks and will now take on the Thunder in the NBA Finals.
But while the Thunder may become the rulers of the NBA, their Palace is not fit for a king.
The Paycom Center was opened in 2002 at a cost of $89.2 million and has hosted the NBA franchise since 2008.
Originally planned to meet the league’s minimum requirements, a $121 million renovation jazzed up the new home of the relocated Seattle Supersonics — a controversial move to this day.
It can host 18,203 people, who have been treated to a throwback defensive standout of a team that also boasts the NBA’s top scorer.
The fans are doing their best to create an iconic venue with color-coordinated T-shirts creating a sea of blue, white, and orange.
The players have also chipped in with Jalen Williams’ barking tradition summing up a team of underdogs on the brink of becoming top dogs.
“I think it was my sophomore year with Summer League in Utah. Chet [Holmgren] barked. And it kind of was like random. It wasn’t like on purpose, and I think Twitter kind of got a hold of it,” he explained.
“And then, I don’t know, our team is so weird. I don’t even remember what happened after that, but we started barking after. But Chet kind of started it by accident.
“One of the interviewers was talking about having a dog mentality or something, and he barked.
Westbrook couldn’t inspire victory over his former team GettyThunder fans like to put on a show[/caption]View Tweet: t.co/dT5n8PmApl
“It kind of just took off from there. Me and J-Will [Jaylin Williams] started doing it, mocking him. And then, once Oklahoma gets wind of something like that, they usually stick with it.
“I enjoy it. I think everybody else does. We don’t do it every time now, but it’s kind of like our identity.”
Despite their best efforts, the amenities at the ageing arena are not up to scratch and in a bid to change that, the franchise has turned to OKC royalty in the shape of Russell Westbrook.
Drafted by the Supersonics with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, six days later he was already on another team after the relocation.
By the time he left for the Houston Rockets in 2019, he had three triple-double seasons, an MVP award, and was a two-time NBA Scoring Champion.
No 36 and playing for the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook’s chances of a first NBA title were dashed in a thrilling seven-game defeat to the Thunder in the Conference semifinals.
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Westbrook has made almost $346 million over 17 seasons in the Association and at least $10 million of that has been put into a mixed-use development that will include a state-of-the art arena for his new team.
Despite hailing from Long Beach, California, the 6ft 4in, 200lb guard is OKC at heart.
“That place raised me,” Westbrook said after investing in a pharmaceutical startup in the city — one part of a growing portfolio.
“I’m from LA to the core, but when I got there, those people believed in me. They took me in — my family, my friends. It’s home to me.
“I’ve always been connected to the city. I’ve always found ways to stay connected whether it’s investments or through philanthropy work, and I’ll continue doing that.”
Westbrook — known for his keen eye for style — previously confirmed has made an ‘eight-figure’ investment in OKC’s new home and has taken his involvement to a new level as a creative director.
Populous — the company behind the Golden State Warriors‘ gleaming Chase Center HQ — is drawing up a plan for the $2 billion project alongside Russell Westbrook Enterprises, Echo Investment and Robinson Park.
Plans are expected to be submitted over the summer with shovels hitting dirt in 2025.
“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district — we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” Westbrook told The Oklahoman.
“I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC.
“I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging — a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”
Christian Kanady — the CEO of Echo — said Westbrook has been involved in the stadium district for around a year.
“He is coming in with a lot of artistic and design freedom,” Kanady said. “He is going to pull all of the pieces together, so this looks like a beautiful patchwork quilt.
“Having a real heart for the city, and thinking about life after basketball, we’re really honored and privileged to have a partnership and friendship with Russell.”
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