So Long, Partner

Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Houston Rockets.

Eight words I never thought I would ever write. Five words I wish I would never have to write. Russell Westbrook has been traded. I always believed and hoped Westbrook would be an Oklahoma City Thunder player for twenty plus years and be a one-team player but as of Thursday the 11th of July 2019 Russell Westbrook is a Houston Rocket and for the second time a teammate of former Oklahoma City Thunder sixth man James Harden.

After Paul George got traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, there was simply to much smoke for there not to be a fire in the way of talks of Westbrook being in trade talks no matter how much I and every other Thunder fans wish to ignore the gulf of flames that were getting larger and larger day by day. Now the hero that wore zero has left the 405 I couldn’t stop thinking of the scene at the end of Toy Story 3 when Andy is giving away all of his toys to the little girl (Bonnie). Andy gives Bonnie all of his toys as he is leaving for college all but one that is. Woody. Woody was the last toy in the box Andy was giving Bonnie very much as Westbrook was General Manager Sam Presti’s last toy. Woody had been with Andy since before he could remember and was his favorite toy and in the scene, it’s difficult for Andy to give Woody up to the little girl.

I see the final conversation between Presti and Rockets General Manager Daryl Mory going the very same way.

Bonnie (Morey): My cowboy! Andy (Presti): Woody? What’s he doing in there? Bonnie (Morey): “There’s a snake in my boot.” Andy (Presti): Wha…? Woody’s Voice Box: There’s a snake in my boot. Andy (Presti): Now, Woody, he’s been my pal for as long as I can remember. He’s brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind. And smart. But the thing that makes Woody special is he’ll never give up on you. Ever. He’ll be there for you, no matter what. You think you can take care of him for me? Woody (Westbrook): So long, partner.

Thank you, Russell Westbrook. Thank you for the past 11 years they have been truly Hist0ric. One final time “STARTING AT GUARD 6’3 FROM UCLA RUSSELL WESTBROOK!!!!!” Thank you, Brodie!