Russell Westbrook was one of the NBA's most captivating players during his prime. His athleticism made him a nightly highlight threat, while his ability to impact the game as a scorer, passer and rebounder turned him into the league's all-time triple-double leader.
That style made Westbrook a must-watch and one of the most unique players of his era. It also made him one of the easiest stars to criticize.
He enjoyed his career's best run with the Oklahoma City Thunder , playing 11 seasons for the franchise. During this span, Westbrook achieved several great feats, including winning the 2016-17 league MVP after becoming the first player ever to average a triple-double, a feat Oscar Robertson accomplished in the 1961-62 season, etching his name in NBA history.
Not done, Westbrook ended up averaging a triple-double for a total of four seasons between 2016 and 2021. That said, despite all the statistical milestones and individual accolades, Russ wasn't immune to criticism and trolling, which included being called a ball-hog, something he addressed during his 2018-19 season exit interview.
"There used to be conversations about if I was a ball hog, but now I lead the league in assists for the past 3 years, or whatever it is, that's getting squashed out. So now the conversation is about shooting. Next year, I'm going to become a better shooter," Westbrook told reporters during OKC's season exit interview in 2019.
As far as leading the league in assists was concerned, Russ did so in three seasons between the 2017-18 and 2020-21 seasons.
Westbrook has often been accused of putting up empty stats over the years, given that it never led to him playing winning basketball. His individualistic style of play is often cited as the reason for Kevin Durant 's ouster, with the two-time champ realizing he could not win with Russ.
That said, the closest Westbrook ever came to winning a championship was his 2012 Finals appearance. The veteran guard is also 1-3 in the conference finals so far. Adding to the concerns were his decision-making and turnover rate at clutch moments of the game, often making him a liability.
What made matters worse was his inability to fit into any system after his tenure with the Thunder ended. Soon enough, he became the subject of social media trolling and mockery, which reached a new low during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers , with many hinting at an agenda against him.
Weighing in on his situation and skill set, Westbrook felt it was best for him to take a backseat, even if it meant transitioning into the role of a reserve.
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One of the most polarizing stars in the modern era of the game, Westbrook is no stranger to public scrutiny. Though the constant nitpicking and chatter initially took their toll, Russ learned to deal with them over the years.
"He say, she say, what somebody say about me, what they say about shooting, passing, dribbling, I don't really care. Every year it's something. They gotta make up something about me. Which is fine. It's good. One thing I always know is, if they're not talking about you, then you're not doing something right," Brodie told ESPN in 2019.
Whatever one may say about his shooting or turnovers, there is no questioning Westbrook's effort and intent towards the game. The veteran guard has given it his all every time that he has stepped foot on the court. Although his decorated resume may lack a championship ring, he will surely go down as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
