Russell Westbrook’s legacy in Oklahoma City goes beyond basketball
Russell Westbrook, a former Oklahoma City Thunder star, left a lasting impact on the city through his on-court achievements and community contributions.
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Russell Westbrook, one of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s greatest players, spent 11 of his 18 NBA seasons with the team, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond basketball.
There was a time here in Oklahoma City when it felt like he put the whole franchise on his back when Kevin Durant left the Thunder, but then in the years that followed, you could argue he tried to put the whole city on his back.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt reflected on Westbrook’s journey with the Thunder, starting with his first season in 2008 and his growth over the years, including the emotional boost he gave the community by re-signing with the team after Durant’s departure.
“Russell re-signed with us shortly after, which was kind of an important emotional boost for the community,” Holt said.
WATCH: Russell Westbrook’s community impact in Oklahoma City
Westbrook’s standout performance during the 2016-2017 season earned him the MVP title and further solidified his place in basketball history.
“And then for that to be answered by one of the greatest individual seasons in basketball history, even though we didn’t go far in the playoffs, it seemed secondary to the fact that we got to watch something so special that it vaulted him into the MVP,” Holt said.
Holt also noted how Westbrook became synonymous with Oklahoma City during his time with the Thunder, as the metro area gained national attention and grew by 94,000 people between 2008 and 2018.
“He did get that moment to be the guy on the team. And what did he do with it? He immediately became the MVP of the NBA,” Holt said.
Westbrook’s impact extended beyond the court. In 2013, after suffering a knee injury, he visited Moore to support families affected by the devastating 2013 tornado.
“The smiles on people’s faces, I think that’s a big thing from the last few days because people are really sad in different families,” Westbrook said at the time.
WATCH: Looking back at Russell Westbrook’s storied career in OKC
His community contributions include “Russell’s Reading Rooms,” which remain in schools across the city, and the court at Capitol Hill that he dedicated after leaving the Thunder.
“Russell’s Reading Rooms, they’re still all over the city in many of our schools, other things like the court at Capitol Hill, the footstall court that he actually dedicated after he was gone,” Holt said.
Westbrook also founded the “Why Not? Foundation,” a nonprofit focused on helping underserved communities and children with education, workforce development, and mental health resources.
WATCH: Russell Westbrook returns to his “second home” for OKC stadium groundbreaking
Westbrook was back in Oklahoma City in June for the groundbreaking of a new multi-purpose soccer and UFL stadium south of Bricktown. Holt said Westbrook’s investment in the soccer team, OKC United, and the stadium development will play a significant role in the city’s future.
“With the soccer team, this is an exciting moment for his investment, and he’s a part of the soccer team and the development. That’s something that’s going to play out for a decade,” Holt said.
While Westbrook’s exact retirement plans remain unclear, it is expected that he will continue to be involved in Oklahoma City as an investor in OKC United.