NBA: 10 Interesting Facts about Russell Westbrook you might not know

Russell Westbrook is one of the most popular players in the NBA today. He is known for his electrifying performances and is one of the most explosive dunkers in the league. 'The Brodie' has achieved so much during his first ten seasons in the NBA and is the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise.

Westbrook is known for his all-around ability to impact the game and is a walking double-double. His jersey was sixth in the list of most popular jerseys last season and was named to the All-Star Game for the seventh time in his career. There are a lot of interesting facts about Russell Westbrook and today, we present you ten of those facts in this article. Read on to find out.

#1 Russell Westbrook is a two-time scoring champion (2014-15, 2016-17)

Russell Westbrook won the scoring title twice in his career so far. He won it for the first time in his career when he averaged 28.1 points per game during the 2014-15 season after playing in 67 games. The second time was when he won the MVP award in the 2016-17 season. 'The Brodie' averaged 31.6 points per game over the season and led the league.

#2 He did not miss a single game in his first three seasons

Westbrook did not miss a single game during his first three seasons

Rusell Westbrook was selected by the Seattle Supersonics with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft. He went on to do something impressive and featured in all 246 games for the Thunder in his first three seasons in the league. He made it to the All-Rookie First Team in his rookie season in the NBA after averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

#3 Westbrook is the only player in the history of NBA to average a triple-double in back-to-back seasons

Averaging a triple-double over an entire season in itself is a huge achievement for any NBA player. Westbrook did something breath-taking and averaged a triple-double over an entire season for two straight years. He is the only player to have done this and it is a record that will probably remain forever.

#4 He wears a rubber bracelet with KB3 written on it

Westbrook with his KB3 braclet — Westbrook with his KB3

Westbrook wears a rubber braclet with KB3 written on it as a reference to his high school friend, Khelcey Bars, who passed away at the age of 16. He was one of the closest friends of Russ growing up and they wanted to play together in UCLA. The 2016-17 MVP sometimes even wears shoes with KB3 written to honor his friend.

#5 Westbrook was the very last pick of Seattle Supersonics

Westbrook being congratulated by David Stern

We do not know if the Seattle Supersonics will ever make a return to the NBA, but as it stands, Russell Westbrook is the last player to get drafted by the Supersonics franchise. After the 2008 NBA draft, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.

#6 He could not dunk until 17 years of age

Westbrook is known for his explosive dunks and is regarded as one of the most athletic players of all-time. It is insane that he was not born with this gift and could not dunk till the age of 17. Russ himself told that he never dunked till the last game of his senior year in high school. He worked very hard in the gym and became the dunker that he did today.

#7 His favorite player growing up was Magic Johnson

Rusell Westbrook with Magic Johnson at the Los Angeles Dodgers' ball game

Westbrook was born in California and is understandable that growing up, his favorite player to watch was Magic Johnson who is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all-time. Even though their styles don't match, just like any other modern-day point guard, Russell's pick is no different.

#8 He is ambidextrous

Westbrook's left-handed dunk over Clint Capela in the 2017 NBA playoffs

Like many other athletes, Russell Westbrook is ambidextrous. While he shoots with right-hand, he eats, writes and does almost everything else with his left hand. We know that the players use both the hands while dribbling, but how often do you see an NBA player dunk with both the hands ? In the above image, you can see Westbrook slamming one home over Clint Capela with his left-hand.

#9 Russell Westbrook's Why Not ? Foundation

Russell Westbrook in a Why Not? Foundation event

Westbrook is known for philanthropic work through his Why Not? Foundation and organizes various events to give it back to the community. The events include feeding OKC and LA residents on Thanksgiving, spending quality time with young kids in need and giving them shoes, backpacks, t-shirts to name a few.

#10 Westbrook wears number 0 in the NBA and there is a reason for it

Westbrook has been wearing number 0 since he entered the league in 2008

It is a known fact that Russ wears number 0 in the league but there is a reason why he does it. Westbrook said “You go with the zero when you’ve been through something and you are looking to get a new beginning. It helps you get going again. It helps you get the swag back."

Edited by Moderator -PJ