Moments before tip-off in the Oklahoma City Thunder's season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies, Russell Westbrook thanked the crowd for their support all year long. Then towards the end of his speech, he called for a standing ovation for his good friend Nick Collison.
As posted by the NBA, Westbrook called Collison his friend, mentor, and brother and called for a well-deserved recognition from the home crowd:
Russell Westbrook addresses the crowd and shows his appreciation for best friend/teammate Nick Collison! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/LligL7BAFf
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2018
The two, in fact, have been teammates since Westbrook entered the league 10 years ago. Collison himself has been with the franchise since 2003 when he was selected 12th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics. After four years, the Sonics transferred to Oklahoma City then subsequently changed its name to the Thunder.
In total, Collison has played for 14 years with the franchise. His career averages are 5.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, and one assist.
Prior to their season finale, Collison was asked about retiring after this year. As reported by Royce Young of ESPN, Collison said in part:
“We got one regular season game into the playoffs and I'll figure out what I'm doing after that. But for sure, you realize that you're not going to play forever.”
Below is the video:
Nick Collison on the possibility this is his last regular season game: pic.twitter.com/Nhu5dLWbRL
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 11, 2018
Indeed, Collison will go down as one of the legends in the franchise's history. From Seattle all the way to Oklahoma City, Collison has witnessed the franchise's ups and downs. He may not boast the statistics of a superstar. But he possesses the wisdom that Westbrook, as well as other young guns, have benefitted from.
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