Paul George Expects 'Nonstop' Cheering for Russell Westbrook in Thunder Return

When Russell Westbrook makes his return to Oklahoma City on Thursday as the Houston Rockets play the Thunder, Paul George expects the fans will make Westbrook feel right at home.

George said Tuesday he expects the former Thunder star to get "nonstop appreciation," per the Washington Post's Ben Golliver:

George already made a trip back to Oklahoma City when the Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers 118-112 at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Dec. 22. Any lingering resentment from his sudden trade to the Clippers was largely nonexistent:

"It just made me feel appreciated of being here," he told reporters of the reaction after the game. "I enjoyed my time here."

The roof will come off the arena when Westbrook is introduced for the first time as a Rockets player. He discussed Tuesday what the moment will mean for him:

Westbrook spent his first 11 years in Oklahoma City and came to embody the franchise following the departure of Kevin Durant, who became public enemy No. 1 the moment he suited up for the Golden State Warriors.

Westbrook didn't have an acrimonious divorce from the Thunder, with many fans acknowledging a separation was in the best interests of both parties. Oklahoma City had already agreed to deal George, so sending Westbrook to Houston allowed the team to start with a clean slate and rebuild.

Rather than think about how things ended, fans will remember the run to the 2012 NBA Finals, nine trips to the playoffs, and Westbrook's historic 2016-17 season that ended with an MVP.