OKC Thunder Roundtable sessions: Homage to Russell Westbrook

Tamberlyn Richardson:

I’ve told this story countless times to other staff writers, NBA fans, critics of Russell Westbrook, etc. It’s from an Adrian Wojnarowski Vertical podcast shortly after Durant left for the Warriors. Guest Jeff Van Gundy was on the podcast occurring on July 16 of 2016. You can pull it up from the directory here.  The story begins at 22:07.

Van Gundy discusses how Westbrook’s public perception is often unfair and many fans presumed his off court persona was the same as his aggressive on court demeanor. JVG tells of how neighborhood children would go knock on his door and ask his wife Nina if Russell could come out and play. This is the abridged version because I heard him tell it with greater detail on another podcast but finding these podcasts three years later proved difficult.

This was prior to the couple having Noah but the full story is Russell always would come outside and play with the kids even if he had just returned from practice. As Van Gundy says it’s a charming story of someone who is so often misportrayed and maligned.  It certainly made sense Russ would be a wonderful father which Thunder fans got to witness firsthand.

Rylan Stiles:

His Instagram story of “Now I do what I want” after Kevin Durant signed with the Warriors. It was a hilarious moment in Thunder history, and it really allowed this fanbase to rally around him even more. Russ wasn’t scared, he was not worried about the future, he was ready to attack.

Noah Schulte:

Aidan E:

He doesn’t have many memorable off-court moments, probably when his foundation gave away meals on Thanksgiving.

Matthew Hallet:

The birth of his child, his reaction showed what a beautiful human being he is.

Kevon Stewart:

Russell Westbrook’s “what?” response in an interview. Displaying his exhaustion of being asked unsubstantive questions that were inconsequential. This was a reaction that was pure and genuine and highlighted how redundant and trivial post-game interviews can be.

(see youtube video shown above in Noah Schulte’s answer)

Tyler Barger:

When Russell Westbrook gave his shoes to some children after the game. He really helped out the Oklahoma City Community while he was here.