Triple-double legend Oscar Robertson has defended Russell Westbrook’s legacy and doesn’t think his current treatment by the larger NBA community is very fair.
In 2021 when he was with the Wizards, Westbrook surpassed Robertson’s career record for triple-doubles with 182.
Hall-of-Famer Robertson spoke about a private conversation he had with Westbrook at OKC before he broke the record.
“I went out to see him in Oklahoma. I was happy for the guy. I said I wanted to tell you this, we were in a room by ourselves talking,” said Robertson on All The Smoke podcast. “I said ‘I’m happy for you man, but they’re going to turn on you’. I said ‘They’re going to turn on you because they’re going to expect you to do this every night. And even if you do this and don’t win they’re going to blame you.’”
Robertson also spoke on how Westbrook’s reputation as an NBA player has rapidly diminished these last few seasons.
“It’s unfortunate for Westbrook that they’re doing some of these things to him,” Robertson said. “I think the guy is very valuable to any team he’s with but somehow they want to blame somebody. Why blame him, the guy’s effective for you. He kept the franchise in Oklahoma going for years.”
Stephen Jackson added, “Russell Westbrook has that motor, he has that passion. You can’t really teach a guy to want to do everything on the court, it has to be in you.”
Before the season have even begun, Russ has been the victim of public scrutiny, with an NFL commentator calling him out and his wife had to step in and publicly call the ESPN staffer out.
Gilbert Arenas is another former player who recently defended Russ and his legacy.
The guard is starting a new NBA chapter with the Nuggets and even though he isn’t the player he once was, he can still contribute positively to a team. At least Denver are hoping so.