I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
Congrats on a remarkable 18-year NBA career, Russ! 👏
2016-17 Kia NBA MVP
9x NBA All-Star
9x All-NBA
2x NBA scoring champion
5th all-time in assists
All-time leader in triple-doubles
NBA 75th Anniversary Team member
a 20/20/20 game intentionally in honor of Nipsey Hussle is probably one of the greatest feats in sports history. basically Babe Ruth pointing his bat to the stands, but for Crips.
someone told me yesterday that when they feel nervous about trying something new & their heart starts beating really fast, that they call it their “inner applause” because their body is cheering them on, and i think that’s the best narrative adjustment ever.