Russell Westbrook creating memories at youth basketball camps

Summer has officially arrived. And as the weather heats up, so does youth basketball camps around the country. Making appearances for the kids in his neck of the woods is none other than Russell Westbrook.

The emotions of the playoffs and anxiety of the off season continues to pain Oklahoma City and Thunder fans everywhere. But life goes on and Westbrook seems to be in good spirits, as he celebrates his son’s birthday and makes appearances at youth camps.

Whatever your opinion is of Westbrook, there is no debating that Oklahoma City is his city. The love he receives from fans during the season is reciprocated in part by participating in youth basketball camps. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for kids to be coached by the former MVP and the only player to ever average a triple-double twice.

Summer camps is also an opportunity for players from other teams to interact with each other. As seen together at a camp earlier this week, Westbrook had some laughs with Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Although some might speculate this bonding time can be used for recruiting free agents, it isn’t in this case. Beal will remain in D.C. for at least the next three seasons barring a trade.

The old phrase “It (the NBA) is a business” may be correct, but the game of basketball itself is just that, a game. Working with girls and boys of several ages is seen as a privilege for players, many of whom benefited from similar camps during their upbringing. Westbrook takes it upon himself to make some random appearances in addition to hosting his personal camp.

Youth basketball camps may not take the spotlight away from free agency or the raw emotions of the playoffs. But his presence at the camps makes dreams come true for kids who could go on to become professionals themselves. These camps are a reminder for the players and for the fans that basketball is just a game.