Russell Westbrook has developed into a remarkable player. Not only is he an olympian, and an All-Star, but the is the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder after this summer's departure of co-star Kevin Durant.
During the ups and downs of leading the team, Westbrook took most of the blame for the team's failures.
His shot selection had been criticized, he has been called out many times for not deferring to Durant during crucial moments of games, and it became easier to just blame Russ, almost at will.
The eccentric fashion lover has grown to become the target of respect and love recently.
When asked if he notices the irrational hatred of him as a player turning the corner, Westbrook says he does notice.
“A little bit. But at the same time, I’ve got to keep the same way, because I’ve been on the other side. I’m definitely appreciative of all the support and I’m definitely thankful for that, and every night I just go out and play the same way.”
One thing that makes him so special is the fact that you never have to be concerned with is him coming to play. Westbrook plays hard every game. He plays with passion and competes on a high level on a nightly basis.
There may be a bigger spotlight on the fact that he does those things even more now that his superstar counterpart is no longer at his side.
After he signed an extension to remain in Oklahoma City, he almost became sort of a people's favorite underdog.
Regardless if he makes bad decisions at times, he is a threat to pull off a triple double on a given night in spectacular fashion.
The longest tenured Thunder player Nick Collison notices how things have played out over time as well.
It was kind of a rude awakening for him to have to experience all that at a young age. A lot of it was probably unfair. The good part that he learned is, ‘I can’t control what people say about me. I’m going to do what I’m going to do. He doesn’t get swayed too much or caught up too much in the outside world. He appreciates it, but it’s not going to make him think different, play different, or be a different guy.
All of the love and respect that comes Westbrook's way has been earned.
Follow Us
Subscribe