Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Thunder Role He Cannot Replace

The Oklahoma City Thunder belong to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the court, but Russell Westbrook will always occupy a place in Oklahoma that even two MVP awards and a championship cannot replace. Gilgeous-Alexander made that clear while reflecting on Westbrook’s retirement Monday, calling him “Oklahoma’s baby” and a pioneer for what the organization represents. Those words perfectly explain the difference between becoming the greatest player in franchise history and becoming its first true basketball hero.

Gilgeous-Alexander has already taken the Thunder further than Westbrook ever did as its unquestioned leader. He delivered Oklahoma City its first NBA championship during the 2024-25 season, won Finals MVP and has since collected a second consecutive regular-season MVP award. If his career continues ascending, the debate over the greatest player to wear a Thunder uniform may eventually become remarkably simple. However, accomplishing more does not erase the importance of the player who taught Oklahoma City how to embrace an NBA superstar.

Westbrook arrived before the Thunder had traditions, expectations or a genuine basketball identity. He helped establish all three. His relentless playing style reflected a city attempting to prove it belonged in a league dominated by glamorous markets. When Kevin Durant left in 2016, Westbrook stayed, produced a historic triple-double season and won the MVP award. He eventually retired with an NBA-record 209 triple-doubles, but his connection to Oklahoma was always about more than numbers.

That is why Gilgeous-Alexander deserves credit for understanding his place within the franchise’s history. He has never needed to diminish Westbrook to strengthen his own legacy. Instead, Oklahoma City’s current leader described Westbrook as someone whose influence can still be felt throughout the streets. Gilgeous-Alexander is building the next era while continuing to respect the man who made the first era unforgettable. That humility is another reason he has become the correct player to lead this organization.

The Thunder should eventually place Westbrook’s No. 0 in the rafters, and there should not be much debate about it. Gilgeous-Alexander might retire with more championships, more MVP awards and a stronger argument among the NBA’s greatest players. Still, Westbrook gave Oklahoma City something that cannot be recreated by statistics or trophies. He made the Thunder feel permanent.

Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated the franchise to heights Westbrook never reached, but even Oklahoma City’s greatest player understands that its original hero can never truly be replaced. That's what makes the Thunder so special. Even though Westbrook never brought the franchise a ring. He will always go down as the first true hero thanks to Kevin Durant's betrayal.