Russell Westbrook Honored by NBA and Oscar Robertson in Special Ceremony

Russell Westbrook was honored for his record breaking season by the NBA and Oscar Robertson.

In a special pregame ceremony the NBA honored Russell Westbrook for his record breaking season. Both Oscar Robertson and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver were in attendance with the ‘Big O’ participating in the ceremony.

Russell Westbrook sat in Minnesota and looked none to happy he was put in that situation. Imagine a super star player who would rather play than get rest! Still, this is Russell Westbrook we are talking about. If you’re scratching your head, wondering why this would be silly. Westbrook  starts, endures and finishes ever single play as if his family is being held for ransom.

Related: Westbrook breaks record for single season triple-double games with 42.

Tonight it was a different story.  I mean would you want to tell  Westbrook, the Big O is here , but we want you to rest? Ummm – no.

So, Brodie suited up to play. Prior to the game Russ spent time with Robertson and family members.

The following clip highlights a humble Westbrook voicing his appreciation for Robertson. This rare behind the scenes moment with the Big O is one to treasure as Russ thanks Robertson for paving the way.

Sure, Fans have witnessed moments of celebration and the Brodie smile this season. Yet,  I’m not sure I can recall him looking so completely happy for such an extended period. It sure seems like he’s a big fan of Robertson. Or course the answer to that question would be Westbrook’s typical life motto “Why Not?”

https://twitter.com/FadeawayWorld/status/852324312120004609

Ceremony and award:

As Royce Young tweeted, the ceremony while honoring Westbrook’s incredible historic season also paid homage to Robertson who held the 55 year old records Russ either tied or passed.

The Thunder are a classy organization and it was fitting, the ceremony would pay respect to both point guards as they stand alone for their triple-double season average and rank one-two for most triple-doubles in a season.  As per ESPN writer Royce Young apparently Russell Westbrook was consulted on having other record breakers in attendance, but in a very Russ-like way he wanted the emphasis kept on Robertson.

"‘The original plan for the ceremony included having other history-making athletes, like Cal Ripken Jr. and Smith, attend. Westbrook, though, nixed that idea, wanting the focus to be as much on Robertson and his accomplishments as a Hall of Famer as himself.”"

Russell Westbrook may not show off his wide grin often,  but he may be wearing that grin for another reason very soon. The debate over who should win MVP has raged on all season with former teammate and friend James Harden offering his greatest competition. Certainly the ‘Big O’ has his favorite to take the award as he started an MVP chant.

Related: Westbrook second player ever to average seasonal triple-double

Thunderous Intentions Scribe Weighs In:

Thunderous Intentions very own masterful scribe Heather Koontz was in attendance offering this take on the proceedings and reaction to Oscar’s MVP chant.

“It was an energy unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in that arena. I’m pretty confident it didn’t get that loud when Durant was given the MVP award, so it was pretty spectacular” – Koontz

MVP Award Next?

Clearly Westbrook’s performance over the past month including his dramatic game clinching 3-point shot in Denver has shifted momentum in his direction as the initial votes are showing.

MUST READ: Russell Westbrook is the Real MVP of the NBA

It is rather ironic some of the stat guys like Schuhmann went with Harden, but perhaps they value more wins. Oddly, Harden himself may have hurt his own bid by stating “I thought wins were all that mattered.” If that was the case than the MVP would simply go to the best player on the top team every season.

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For the moment Russell Westbrook can revel in this moment and honor paid to him by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Truth is the smile will likely fade before night’s end as Russ turns his attention to the impending showdown versus James Harden and his Rockets.