Saoirse Downs
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosiveness, competitiveness, and work ethic, Westbrook is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Westbrook has had a significant impact on basketball, becoming the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season, a feat he later accomplished three more times. Westbrook's career has been marked by his determination and resilience in the face of injuries and setbacks. His playing style and achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, with his name often mentioned by pundits and critics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Known for | Explosiveness and intensity |
| Considered | One of the greatest point guards in NBA history |
| Achievements | 9-time All-Star, 2017 NBA MVP, NBA record for most career triple-doubles, named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, gold medal with the U.S. national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics |
| Height | 6-foot-3 |
| High school | Averaged 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 assists |
| College basketball | Played for the UCLA Bruins, earned third-team all-conference honors in the Pac-10 |
| NBA Draft | Selected 4th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 |
| Seasons with the Thunder | 11 |
| Thunder's all-time | Leading scorer |
| Seasons with 700+ rebounds | 4, the most in NBA history by a player 6'4" or shorter |
| Average triple-double | Second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season, later accomplishing this feat three more times |
| Free throw percentage | Dropped from 82.3% to 68.5% due to an NBA rule change |
| Formidable duo | With Kevin Durant, made the Thunder a perennial championship contender |
| Fantasy basketball | One of the top fantasy basketball sleepers of the 2024-25 season |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Westbrook is the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season
- He holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles
- Westbrook is known for his obsessive work ethic and competitiveness
- He is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history
- Westbrook's height and large feet helped him excel in basketball
Westbrook is the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosiveness and intensity, he is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Westbrook is the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season, doing so in 2017. He joined Oscar Robertson, who first achieved the feat in 1962, in the record books. Westbrook then became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in two separate seasons, achieving this again in the 2017-18 campaign.
Averaging a triple-double over a full season is an incredibly rare feat in the NBA. Westbrook's achievement in 2017 came 55 years after Robertson first accomplished it. Westbrook's four seasons with 700+ rebounds are also tied for the most in NBA history by a player 6'4" or shorter. Westbrook's ability to consistently fill up the stat sheet and impact the game in a variety of ways has undoubtedly left an impact on the league. Westbrook's success in pursuing this statistical milestone has likely influenced other players to attempt similar feats.
Westbrook's triple-double averages in four of five seasons overall further showcase his impact on the league. In addition to his impressive season averages, Westbrook also holds the NBA record for the most consecutive games with a triple-double, with 11 straight from January 22 to February 14, 2019. Westbrook's ability to string together multiple triple-doubles in consecutive games is a testament to his all-around ability and impact on the court. Westbrook's pursuit of statistical milestones, such as triple-doubles, has also added an exciting element to the league, generating buzz and engaging fans in a new way.
Westbrook's success in achieving triple-doubles has also influenced how players and teams approach the game. His success has likely encouraged other players to pursue similar statistical milestones and may have shifted the focus of teams when it comes to player evaluation and acquisition. Westbrook's impact on the league has been significant, and his ability to consistently average triple-doubles has left a lasting mark on the NBA.
Basketball's Bahamian Roots: Who Brought the Game There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosiveness and intensity, he is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Westbrook holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles. As of 22 January 2025, Westbrook's 202 regular-season triple-doubles are the most in NBA history. His 12 playoff triple-doubles put him in fourth place overall. Westbrook also holds the record for most triple-doubles in a single season, with 42 in 2016-17, and the most consecutive games with a triple-double, with 11 straight.
Westbrook is one of only three players in NBA history to average a triple-double in a single season. In addition, he is tied for the most assists recorded in a triple-double, with 24. Westbrook has also achieved four seasons with 700+ rebounds, the most in NBA history for a player 6'4" or shorter.
Westbrook's triple-double record is made even more impressive by the fact that he did not attract much attention from top college basketball programs coming out of high school. After his height increased, contributing to him averaging more than 25 points per game, coach Ben Howland recruited him to play for the UCLA Bruins.
Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and won a gold medal with the US national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Mastering the Hook Shot: A Guide to Basketball's Artful Move
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Westbrook is known for his obsessive work ethic and competitiveness
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Westbrook is known for his explosive competitiveness and tenacity, with a ''seek-and-destroy' mentality. This mindset has fuelled his career, with Westbrook pushing himself and those around him to be the best they can be.
Westbrook's work ethic is obsessive, with the athlete demonstrating persistence and a unique mindset. He is known for his daily consistency, with a rigorous pre-game routine that hasn't changed in 10 years. Westbrook begins his warm-ups exactly three hours before tip-off, and ends the workout by hoisting shots from behind the backboard, sprinting to the locker room once he makes a shot. This consistency is something he credits his parents for instilling in him, along with conversations with basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Westbrook's competitiveness is legendary, with the player always striving to be the best. He is known for his explosiveness and intensity on the court, with a high-speed motor and freakish athleticism. This has led to him becoming the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, and a nine-time NBA All-Star. His impact on the court is undeniable, with his speed, quickness and athleticism leaving an impression on opponents and fans alike.
Westbrook's obsessive work ethic has also translated into his business ventures. Westbrook Enterprises actively participates in causes that contribute to local communities, with a focus on inspiring and empowering children to never give up. This tireless work ethic has also been noted by his teammates, with Victor Oladipo, Paul George, and Bradley Beal all commenting on how Westbrook's work ethic inspired them to improve their own game.
Westbrook's competitiveness and work ethic were instilled in him from a young age. After the death of his best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, Westbrook became even more determined to excel in basketball in honour of his friend's memory. He continues to wear a "KB3" wristband to honour his friend. Westbrook's mantra of "Why Not?" also began in high school, where he and his friends and family would embrace adversity and work harder, asking "Why Not?" when faced with challenges.
Badminton Birdie: What's in a Name?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history
Russell Westbrook III, born in Long Beach, California, is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Known for his explosiveness and intensity, Westbrook has had an illustrious career, playing for the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association.
Westbrook's journey to the NBA began at Leuzinger High School, where he started playing as a point guard. Initially standing at only 5 feet 8 inches tall, he experienced a growth spurt after his junior season, reaching a height of 6 feet 3 inches. This increased height contributed to his improved performance, as he began averaging more than 25 points per game. In his senior year, Westbrook showcased impressive statistics, averaging 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 assists.
Westbrook's college basketball career began at UCLA, where he played for the Bruins. During his freshman year, he served as a backup to Darren Collison and was primarily utilised as a defender and energy player off the bench. However, Westbrook's talent became evident in his third season, as he was named an All-Star for the first time and helped propel his team to the NBA finals. In the 2016-17 season, Westbrook became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season, an accomplishment he achieved three more times in his career.
Westbrook's impact on the game extends beyond his impressive statistics. He is known for his obsessive work ethic and competitive intensity on the court. Despite facing injuries and surgeries throughout his career, Westbrook has demonstrated remarkable resilience, including a quick return to action after surgery on his right knee in 2013-14. Westbrook holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2017. He was also selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Learn Badminton Basics: Shuttle Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Westbrook's height and large feet helped him excel in basketball
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosiveness and intensity, Westbrook is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall, Westbrook is slightly taller than the average American male, which is around 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m). His height, combined with his large feet (size 14), likely contributed to his success as a basketball player.
Height can be advantageous in basketball as it can provide players with a greater reach and allow them to see over their competitors. This can be especially beneficial for point guards like Westbrook, who are often responsible for distributing the ball to teammates and making decisions on the court. Additionally, larger feet can provide more stability and balance, which can be beneficial for quick movements and changes in direction.
Westbrook entered Leuzinger High School as a point guard who stood at only 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, but he had large feet, which may have contributed to his success in the sport. During his senior year, Westbrook's height increased to 6 feet 4 inches, and he began to average more than 25 points per game, becoming a solid college basketball prospect. His increased height, combined with his large feet, likely improved his balance, stability, and reach, contributing to his improved performance.
Westbrook's height and large feet may have also contributed to his durability as a player. Despite his intense style of play, Westbrook remains one of the NBA's most durable players, having played for 11 seasons with the Thunder and becoming the team's all-time leading scorer. His large feet and solid stature may have helped him absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively, reducing the risk of injuries.
In summary, Westbrook's height and large feet likely contributed to his success and durability as a basketball player. His stature provided him with advantages in balance, stability, and reach, while also potentially enhancing his resistance to injuries. Westbrook's physical attributes, combined with his determination and skill, have undoubtedly left a mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of players.
Fouls in Basketball: 5 Things You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Russell Westbrook is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Westbrook is known for his explosiveness, competitiveness, and work ethic. He is the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, and his four seasons with 700+ rebounds are the most ever by a player 6'4" or shorter. Westbrook's career has demonstrated that height is not a limiting factor in achieving success in basketball.
Prior to the 2017-18 season, the NBA implemented a rule change that prohibited free throw shooters from walking back beyond the three-point line between attempts. This rule change affected Westbrook, who had a routine of walking back nearly to half-court between shots since his childhood. As a result, his free throw percentage declined from 82.3% in the nine years before the rule change to 68.5% in the 7.5 years after (as of January 2025).
Westbrook's determination to excel in basketball was fuelled by the death of his best friend and fellow basketball player, Khelcey Barrs III, who died at 16 years old from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game. Westbrook honoured his friend's memory by excelling in the sport. He worked hard and improved his skills, especially in passing and three-point shooting. By his senior year of high school, he had grown to 6'3" and was averaging 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 assists.
Westbrook was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played for the Thunder for 11 seasons and is their all-time leading scorer. He has been named an NBA All-Star nine times and was the league MVP in 2017. Westbrook also won gold medals as a member of the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2012 Olympics and the 2010 FIBA World Cup.
