Russell Westbrook is one of the most discussed and debated figures in modern basketball. A player who defies easy categorization, he has simultaneously been celebrated for his extraordinary athleticism and criticized for his on-court decisions.
Early Life
- Born: November 12, 1988, in Long Beach, California
- Parents: Russell Westbrook Jr. and Shannon Horton
- Hometown: Hawthorne, California
- Childhood Friend: Khelcey Barrs III, who tragically passed away at 16 due to an enlarged heart
- Tribute: Wears a “KB3” wristband in honor of Barrs
High School Journey
- Attended Leuzinger High School
- Entered high school at 5’8″ (140 lbs) and did not start on varsity until my junior year
- Experienced a growth spurt before his senior year, reaching 6’3″
- Senior Year Stats:
- 25.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.1 SPG, 2.3 APG
- Led team to a 25-4 record with 14 double-doubles
- Gained recognition from college programs, including UCLA
College Career at UCLA: From Backup to Standout
- Freshman Season (2006-07)
- Backup to Darren Collison
- Focused on defensive skills and high-energy play
- Averages: 3.4 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.7 APG
- Sophomore Season (2007-08)
- Became starting PG after Collison’s injury
- Showcased all-around game and athleticism
- Averages: 12.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.6 SPG
- Awards & Honors:
- All-Pac-10 Third Team
- Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year
- Helped UCLA reach the Final Four for the second straight year
- NBA Draft Decision
- Declared for the 2008 NBA Draft after sophomore year
- Completed his academic quarter before leaving—uncommon for high draft picks
Professional Career: A Rollercoaster of Triumphs and Tribulations
Westbrook’s professional career has been a narrative of exceptional highs and unexpected challenges. He was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a team that relocated to Oklahoma City the same week and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-2019): Rise to Stardom
- Rookie Season (2008-09)
- Earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors
- Helped team improve and gain playoff experience
- Breakout & Early Success
- 2009-10: First full season as a starter
- Averages: 16.1 PPG, 8.0 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 SPG
- Helped double team’s wins and secure a playoff berth
- 2010-11: First All-Star selection
- Averages: 21.9 PPG, 8.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG
- Earned All-NBA Second Team honors
- 2009-10: First full season as a starter
- NBA Finals & Continued Growth
- 2011-12:
- All-Star, All-NBA Second Team
- Led Thunder to the NBA Finals (lost to Miami Heat)
- Game 1: 27 points, 11 assists
- 2011-12:
- Injury & Resilience
- 2013: Knee injury, multiple surgeries, season-ending setback
- 2014-15:
- 28.1 PPG, First NBA Scoring Title
- Won NBA All-Star Game MVP
- MVP & Historic Triple-Doubles
- 2016-17:
- Became team’s undisputed leader post-durant
- Averaged a triple-double for the season (first since 1962)
- Won NBA MVP Award
- 2017-19:
- Averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons
- Became Thunder’s all-time leading scorer
- 2016-17:
The Journeyman Years (2019-Present): Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets
- Houston Rockets (2019-2020)
- Traded to Houston, reunited with James Harden
- Averages: 27.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.0 APG in lone season
- Washington Wizards (2020-2021)
- Averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in his career
- Became NBA’s all-time leader in career triple-doubles, surpassing Oscar Robertson
- Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2023)
- Traded to his hometown team alongside LeBron James & Anthony Davis
- Faced fit issues & criticism, eventually moved to a bench role in 2022-23
- Traded to Utah Jazz, contract bought out
- Los Angeles Clippers (2023-2024)
- Signed with Clippers for the remainder of the 2022-23 season
- Re-signed for 2023-24, later requested to come off the bench
- January 1, 2024: Became 25th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points
- Denver Nuggets (2024-Present): Signed with Denver after 2023-24 season
Playing Style and On-Court Impact: Intensity and Versatility
Westbrook’s playing style is defined by his high level of intensity, athleticism, and versatility. A dynamic point guard, he is known for pushing the pace and attacking the basket.
While his strengths lie in attacking the rim, he is also capable of hitting mid-range jumpers. Westbrook’s unique ability to score, rebound, and create plays makes him a triple-double threat every game.
He averages over eight assists per game for his career, underscoring his ability to generate scoring opportunities for his teammates. His play style combines explosiveness with vision.
However, Westbrook’s game is not without its criticisms. Some pundits point to his three-point shooting percentage and turnovers as areas of weakness.
As of January 2025, he has averaged 30.5% on three-point attempts and 3.9 turnovers per game. His on-court intensity is sometimes interpreted as “single-mindedness” and can be perceived as uncooperative.
Despite these criticisms, Westbrook has maintained a reputation as one of the most durable players in the NBA, showcasing his longevity and commitment to the game.
Statistical Achievements and Records: A Legacy of Triple-Doubles
Westbrook’s career is marked by numerous statistical milestones. He is most notably recognized as the NBA’s all-time leader in career triple-doubles, a record he achieved while with the Washington Wizards.
He has averaged a triple-double for an entire season four times, a feat unmatched by any other player. Beyond triple-doubles, Westbrook has also secured two NBA scoring titles (2015 and 2017) and three NBA assist titles (2018, 2019, and 2021).
He has been selected as an NBA All-Star nine times and has earned two All-Star Game MVP awards. He has been named to the All-NBA First Team twice, the Second Team five times, and the Third Team twice. His list of statistical achievements is impressive.
- Triple-Double King
- All-time leader in career triple-doubles
- Averaged a triple-double for a season four times
- Scoring and Assist Titles
- Two-time NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017)
- Three-time NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021)
- All-Star and All-NBA Selections
- Nine-time NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020)
- Two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016)
- Two-time All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017)
- Five-time All-NBA Second Team (2011–2013, 2015, 2018)
- Two-time All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2020)
National Team Career: Representing the United States
- 2010 FIBA World Championship
- Helped Team USA go 9-0, winning its first World Championship since 1994
- Earned a gold medal
- 2012 Summer Olympics
- Played a key role in Team USA’s gold medal run
- Contributed energy and defense to a star-studded roster
Off-Court Ventures and Legacy: More Than an Athlete
Westbrook’s influence extends beyond the basketball court, with numerous business ventures and philanthropic initiatives.
He has endorsement deals with major brands like Jordan Brand, Kings and Jaxs, and PepsiCo. He also served as the Marketing Creative Director for True Religion and launched his clothing brand, Honor the Gift.
Additionally, Westbrook has ventured into film production, notably producing the documentary Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, which earned him three Emmy nominations.
His efforts in the film industry demonstrate his commitment to creating cultural change and using his platform to make a difference.
His philanthropic work includes the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which focuses on community-based education and family service programs, encouraging young people to be self-confident. He has a consistent presence in his community and is always eager to give back.
Criticisms and Controversies: A Polarizing Figure
Despite his immense achievements, Westbrook has faced his share of criticisms. His playing style, particularly his three-point shooting and turnovers, has been the subject of scrutiny.
He has also been criticized for his perceived “single-mindedness” and being uncooperative. However, many teammates and former teammates, such as Paul George, Austin Reaves, and Bradley Beal, have praised him for his leadership, work ethic, and value as a teammate.
He has proven to be someone who gives everything on the court and is often the hardest worker on the team.
Buzz Williams