As we see the respective careers of Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kevin Durant unfold, it’s hard not to imagine what could’ve been. All three once made up a dangerous trio with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that was before any of them maximized their superstar potential like we see now.
Now, years later, the trio have gone their separate ways and are all consensus top ten NBA players. Reflecting on their time together, Westbrook recently called it a “blessing” to have been able to play with Harden and KD. Following from Norman Transcript’s Fred Katz:
Though it would’ve been incredible to watch the three mature together on the same team, chances are we would have never seen any of their full potential, specifically Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Since the trio has split up, Durant went and got himself a ring while Westbrook earned MVP hardware last year and it appears Harden will be next up for that honor this season. Piecing together a stellar individual season, Harden and his Rockets are currently pacing the tough Western Conference, a far cry from the sixth man role he held with OKC.
Of course, there has been some obvious tension between Westbrook and Durant in recent years but hopefully the two are past that stage. They seemed to be on better terms this past All-Star Weekend and after Westbrook’s latest comments, the issues between them may be a thing of the past.
All three of Westbrook, Harden, and Durant will have to lock in as the intensity ramps up with the postseason approaching just around the corner.
