Photo Credit: NBA.com

By Christian Shields

Houston November 14, 2025 update 11:25 AM CST

Russell Westbrook, every basketball fan knows he’s an NBA legend. But before the triple-doubles, MVP trophy, and the debates that still follow him today, there was a kid from South Central Los Angeles who built his career on discipline, family, and a belief that no one could outwork him.

Westbrook’s competitiveness comes from his father, Russell Sr., who played a huge role in shaping that edge. They woke up early, ran hills, and drilled footwork long before the rest of the neighborhood was awake. Russ has said in past interviews, “My dad never let me cheat the work. If I wanted something, I had to show him.” That became the foundation of everything that came after.

Still, Westbrook’s rise wasn’t instant. He was a late bloomer, entering high school barely 5'8" and around 120 pounds, before shooting up to nearly 6'4" by his senior year, a growth spurt that helped his basketball future. Even then, he wasn’t a top recruit or a national name. He had to grind for everything, from earning a starting spot to finally receiving a late scholarship offer from UCLA. That stretch fighting to be noticed while his body and game were catching up became the foundation of the relentless competitor the league knows today.

This should be a reason for athletes to keep striving, even when college offers are not being thrown their way.

At UCLA, Westbrook arrived without hype. He wasn’t the star, and he wasn’t even the player most scouts came to see. But his defense, speed, and toughness were impressive. His coaches spoke often about his intensity. Ben Howland once said, “When Russ stepped on the court, the energy changed. He played every possession like it mattered.” That mindset carried him all the way to becoming the No. 4 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

You’re not always going to be the best player. Whatever role you’re assigned, make sure to give your best effort.

In Oklahoma City, everything clicked. He played with the energy that matched the young Thunder's identity. Kevin Durant once told reporters, “Russ plays angry, but it’s a good angry. He forces everyone to raise their level.” That edge helped redefine what a point guard could be: explosive, attacking, unpredictable, and constantly pushing the pace.

Westbrook’s career has been controversial from a fan’s perspective. Turnovers, shot selection, and his aggressive playing style became talking points in almost every season. But even in response to his critics, Westbrook stayed true to himself. “I only know how to be me,” he once said. “I’m not changing for anybody.” His authenticity, whether loved or misunderstood, is part of what makes him one of the most compelling players of his generation.

Then came his most iconic season: 2016–17. With Durant gone and the franchise shifting, Westbrook didn’t just take the next level; he dominated. He averaged a triple-double for the entire season, something that hasn’t been done since Oscar Robertson. But the numbers alone missed the story behind it. His teammates repeatedly praised his leadership. His coach, Billy Donovan, said, “Russell’s will to win is something I’ve never seen before.” That season earned him the MVP and cemented his legacy.

Today, he remains one of the most influential players in NBA history not only because of what he’s accomplished, but because of how he’s done it. With passion. With toughness. With a mindset built long before he ever made the league.