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.
NBA season barely 3 days old and we got a Double OT game to start, Ant & Wemby 40 balls and a nigga getting arrested. We might be in for an all timer.
First EuroLeague game at 32.
A late bloomer? Maybe. But this has always been one of my biggest goals.
People ask me why it’s my first time… it’s hard to explain. My career wasn’t always stable. I spent years trying to find myself on the court, to figure out how I wanted to play, who I wanted to be as a player.
At some point, I stopped waiting for opportunities to find me… I started to HUNT them. Because I was hungry. Still am.
WNBA rookie at 31.
EuroLeague debut at 32.
My journey is mine, AND I wouldn’t change a thing.
To everyone out there chasing something: follow your own speed. Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s.
Work hard. Stay hungry. If you want it bad enough, the opportunity will come. Trust me. 💫
Tahaad Pettiford in the lab with Steph Curry's trainer👀🔥
Pettiford made the trip to Cali to get in the gym with NBA trainer Brandon Payne, Steph Curry’s long time trainer🎯