A former MVP, Multiple time All-Star, A walking Triple-Double machine a.k.a Russell Westbrook. A lot of the NBA pundits wrote him off when he got traded, he demanded a trade-off from Houston Rockets and the Rockets pulled off Westbrook for a John Wall trade. A lot of people were talking that Russ might be there as a rental asset for the Washington Wizards which they can leverage by pulling off trades and draft picks to refrain Bradley Beal from leaving the franchise.
Triple – Double and Much More
A once in a generation player who does not miss games, never load manages, gives it all in every game he plays, and his performances on the court every day make him a guaranteed Hall of Famer. Washington Wizards are on a dominant run winning 12 out of the last 15 games. Westbrook has been averaging Triple-Double post-All-Star Break and has enjoyed a Breakout month in April where he broke the record of most Triple–Doubles in a month – 13. After closing the month of April with another triple-double month – this has the 10th time in his career that he has averaged a triple-double for a month. Also, this marks a Triple-Double average for 396 games which started way back on 27th December 2015.
Russell Westbrook & Oscar Robertson – MVP Presentation for Russell – Source - Hoopstype
On the Verge of History – Breaking Oscar Robertson’s Record
Russell Westbrook is closing in on history this season. The Brodie is 5 shy of breaking the All-Time Triple-Double Record which is currently holed by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson who has 181 Triple – Double for his career. His chase for getting this record has not been new. He has been doing this for the past 3 Seasons for which his records and his greatness have been overlooked. Getting a triple-double has been a peanut butter jelly for Russ. For 5 straight years, Westbrook has led the NBA in Triple–Doubles and also holds a single-season record of 42 in the 2016-17 season during his MVP season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. When asked about his reaction on a possibility of breaking Oscar Robertson’s record.
He quoted, ‘When you're in this position and you get mentioned with one of the greats like Oscar and they complement the things you do for the game, it's truly an honor that honestly, I don't take for granted’ ‘Oscar is someone that did more for the game, played in an era that was tough being an African American athlete, He understood and sacrificed so many things to play the game," he said. "I'm just grateful to be in the conversation with my name connected to his
However, Russell Westbrook’s feat is more special because Oscar only averaged Triple-Double for only one season, and Brodie is on the verge of averaging the same for the 4th season. His consistency in performances and production over the years makes this record much obvious to achieve and surely, he will. However, what about the season, a lopsided regular season for the Wizards.
Russell Westbrook and Bradly Beal are on a mission post All-Star Break – Source - SLAM
Current Season
Most of the NBA and the analysts have written them off of the Playoffs scenario, however, they currently are on the 10th seed and 3 games above the Play-in scenario and can qualify for the Playoffs and even the 6th seed if they manage to win their remaining games. One of the major criticisms that Westbrook has faced is his inability to stay consistent in clutch situations in the Playoffs, which is probably true as he has just managed to reach the Second Round of Playoffs just once in the last 5 years since Kevin Durant has left OKC and post his trade to the Rockets.
The records and achievements will stand forever and Westbrook would be surely a 1st Ballot Hall of Famer but will he win a championship? Or will that be left empty in the resume? Brodie is 32 and still has 2 strong years left in his tank. Let us see how this will unfold.
Eastern Conference Table as of 3rd May 21 – Source ESPN
