by Scott
Today, it was announced that Russell Westbrook will undergo knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. There is no timetable for his return, meaning he is out indefinitely.
Quite simply, the news sucks and you don’t have to be a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder to feel that way. It also doesn’t help that the Thunder were picked by many to return to the NBA Finals, but without their all-star point guard in a stacked Western Conference, the odds are now against them.
That’s not saying that the Thunder don’t have a chance. After all, they still have Kevin Durant – an unselfish superstar who averaged 28.1 points this season, shooting 51.0% FG on 17.7 FGA per game.
On top of that, there is no indication of how long Russell will be out for. It would be six days, à la Blake Griffin, or it could be more than a month.
Either way, Russell will be sorely missed and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Now, onto some Tweets and quotes from his peers.
Tweets
NBA Fans, I hate to see Russell Westbrook out with an injury.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2013
Get well soon Russell, OKC definitely NOT the same without him. Who’ll be able to give “some” of what he gives? Big Blow for OKC!
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) April 26, 2013
Man feel so bad for my brother @russwest44 …say it isn’t so. Very few work as hard as he does.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) April 26, 2013
I want to wish @russwest44 a speedy recovery. True warrior on the court great person off of it.
— Ronnie Brewer (@RonnieBrewerJr) April 26, 2013
Praying for a speedy recovery for @russwest44
— Greivis Vasquez (@greivisvasquez) April 26, 2013
Prayers go out to @russwest44, for a speedy recovery. I hate seeing any athlete getting injured ESP when u have a chance to win a title
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 26, 2013
Praying for a speedy recovery for my guy @russwest44 !
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) April 26, 2013
Hate hearing about injuries in sports. Our bodies are our JOBS. I don’t wish harm on my worst enemy.
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) April 26, 2013
Damn I hate see that Russ. Get well lil homie.
— Mo Williams (@mowilliams) April 26, 2013
Lil worried for Russ tho, because now that he’s out for the season he has more free time to shop. Lol #GetWellSoonFam
— Daniel Gibson Sr. (@BooBysWorld1) April 26, 2013
Quotes
We’re not trying to rush him or bring him back ahead of schedule. We want to make sure he’s healthy and his knee is right. That’s our only concern with it right now…We have to come together as a team and worry about the basketball. All he has to worry about is him getting healthy — Kevin Durant
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t go out there and try to hurt anybody. I play at one speed and that’s fast. I was just trying to make a play on the ball before they called a timeout and it’s just unfortunate — Patrick Beverley
That’s a freakish accident, that play. I’m pretty sure the Oklahoma City fans will be pretty pissed off at Beverley — Tayshaun Prince
They’re still a great team even without him but he’s a huge part of their offense. A great player, so it does leave them a little vulnerable — Blake Griffin
Iron Man Award
Russell Westbrook has played in all 439 of the Thunder’s games (including playoffs) since he entered the league.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2013
Quotes taken from ESPN.
