Triple-double legend Oscar Robertson has defended Russell Westbrook’s legacy and doesn’t suppose his present remedy by the bigger NBA neighborhood could be very truthful.
In 2021 when he was with the Wizards, Westbrook surpassed Robertson’s profession report for triple-doubles with 182.
Corridor-of-Famer Robertson spoke a couple of personal dialog he had with Westbrook at OKC earlier than he broke the report.
“I went out to see him in Oklahoma. I used to be joyful for the man. I mentioned I needed to let you know this, we have been in a room by ourselves speaking,” mentioned Robertson on All The Smoke podcast. “I mentioned ‘I’m joyful for you man, however they’re going to activate you’. I mentioned ‘They’re going to activate you as a result of they’re going to count on you to do that each night time. And even for those who do that and don’t win they’re going in charge you.’”
Robertson additionally spoke on how Westbrook’s repute as an NBA participant has quickly diminished these previous few seasons.
“It’s unlucky for Westbrook that they’re doing a few of these issues to him,” Robertson mentioned. “I feel the man could be very precious to any workforce he’s with however by some means they wish to blame someone. Why blame him, the man’s efficient for you. He stored the franchise in Oklahoma going for years.”
Stephen Jackson added, “Russell Westbrook has that motor, he has that keenness. You possibly can’t actually educate a man to wish to do every thing on the court docket, it needs to be in you.”
Earlier than the season have even begun, Russ has been the sufferer of public scrutiny, with an NFL commentator calling him out and his spouse needed to step in and publicly name the ESPN staffer out.
Gilbert Arenas is one other former participant who lately defended Russ and his legacy.
The guard is beginning a brand new NBA chapter with the Nuggets and though he isn’t the participant he as soon as was, he can nonetheless contribute positively to a workforce. No less than Denver are hoping so.