Last night, as his family, coaches, teammates, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and a bunch of other old, rich, white dudes watched on, Kevin Durant – who has lived in this state for seven years – was named to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, which is something we now know exists.
According to The Oklahoman, being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is a very big deal. Jenni Carlson couldn't be happier. She claims no one has raised our state’s profile higher than Kevin Durant. That's pretty cool if you enjoy time-killing small talk with Uber drivers in other cities. Anthony Slater wrote a feature-length opus about the induction ceremony. It's nice. Berry Tramel is even working on a list of the 100 greatest Oklahoma Hall of Fame members to run on Sunday. As I said, it's a big deal.
KD was introduced by his BFF Russell Westbrook. I assume Russ will be named to the Hall of Fame next year when he's on the verge of becoming a free agent.
Here's the text of Kevin's acceptance speech. It was the golly shucks, PR pro KD we've all come to know and love:
"I appreciate it, all the kind words. I'll tell you a story. When I first got the call (the franchise was moving to Oklahoma), I was actually on the University of Texas. To come here and to live in Oklahoma, I didn't know what to think. When I came here, I got to the airport and there was nobody there. Then I went to the hotel and there was nobody in the streets. Then I stayed in the Skirvin and I heard it was haunted. So I said, that's a rough start. But as time went on, I started to realize the core values of Oklahomans. Hard work, resiliency, humility. It made me a better man and it made me a better basketball player. I can't do anything but thank everybody who I've come across who's supported me, through good and bad. Through the great games and through the bad games. Teammates, coaches, everyone in the organization. I wish I could take full credit for it, but I can't. Without everybody, I don't think I'd be up here. I love you, mom, my brothers, my whole family. My last stage I had all the people up here, but this stage couldn't fit everyone in Oklahoma. So I appreciate the love you show my family and I and this is truly amazing. A kid from Maryland going into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Dreams really do come true. I appreciate everybody. Thanks a lot. And hopefully we'll be here next year for Russell Westbrook's induction."