Russell Westbrook was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall Of Fame last night in a ceremony which featured an introductory speech by Michael Jordan who praised Westbrook's passion and loyalty.
Before Westbrook was formally inducted into Oklahoma's HOF, MJ said:
"Another thing you guys should be proud of is the sense of loyalty this kid has shown. He could’ve easily come to Charlotte," MJ joked. "But he decided to stay here in Oklahoma. I’m not here to try and bash anybody that’s not here. Everybody has a choice. I’m not saying everybody doesn’t have a choice. But when I saw he chose to stay in Oklahoma, I was so proud, and as [Thunder owner] Clay [Bennett] knows and Russ knows, I texted him to show a sense of respect."
"When Russell asked me to be a presenter, I didn’t even pause because of the relationship and the respect that I have for Clay [Bennett] and obviously the respect that I have for Russell," MJ said. "I’m truly a fan of his. If you can ever say, being that we’re so many years apart, that I can now watch him play, I see a lot of resemblance in his passion for the game of basketball in the way I play the game of basketball."