LAS VEGAS — With dozens of autograph seekers waiting in 110-degree heat screaming their names, Russell Westbrook and Paul George stood arm in arm and mugged for the cameras. The Thunder’s two remaining All-Stars were at ease during USA Basketball’s Thursday minicamp, with memories of a first-round playoff exit, a tense free-agency period and the Carmelo Anthony trade already in the rearview.
As practiced commenced, Westbrook rolled up his short shorts, threw down hammer dunks, mingled with Kyrie Irving, took jumpers with former OKC teammates Kevin Durant and Victor Oladipo and received entry passes from new USAB coach Gregg Popovich.