Remember when it was announced Russell Westbrook would be out 4-6 weeks of the regular season after a second surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee?
Well, less than a week into the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have it’s starting point guard back on the court.
During the first round of the 2013 playoffs, Westbrook was struck at mid-court by Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley. The incident seemed minor at the time as Westbrook was able to slowly walk away without being helped off the court.
Clearly NBA fans are excited to see one of the top point guards back early, even retired players delighted by the news.
Fired up for Russ being back on the floor…Suns not so thrilled @NBATV has got the Thunder home opener tonight…and it just got louder!
— Brent Barry (@Barryathree) November 3, 2013
NBA Family,,, Russell Westbrook is back tonight Thoughts?
— Steve Smith (@steve21smith) November 3, 2013
Perhaps more than anyone, Kevin Durant will be excited to get Westbrook back. After going down to injury, the Thunder turned to Durant to get the job done by himself the remainder of the playoffs last year. His scoring numbers did go up but the team lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Semifinals, a series many believed they would have won with Westbrook.
The Thunder are hosting the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. In what will be Westbrook’s return after a long absence from NBA ball, he had the following to say:
“I feel excited. After being off the floor for seven to eight months, I mean, I’m very excited to be back on the floor, and hopefully we can get a win. I think it’s going to be a little different to get back in the groove of things, find a rhythm, whatever it may be. But we’re going to take it day by day and try to get it together. Yeah. I feel great. I feel I’m in a good spot. I’m happy and blessed to be able to be able to play basketball again and go on the floor and fight for my teammates. First, I want to thank all the fans and all my family and friends and maybe some of you guys for your support throughout this period. It’s been a tough one, but I’m happy to be back.”
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Brett Poirier is a contributor to Sheridan Hoops. Follow @BrettNBA