Triple-double legend Oscar Robertson has defended Russell Westbrook’s legacy and doesn’t suppose his present therapy by the bigger NBA neighborhood may be very honest.
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 few non-public 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 completely satisfied 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 completely satisfied 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 anticipate you to do that each night time. And even if you happen to do that and don’t win they’re going guilty you.’”
Robertson additionally spoke on how Westbrook’s repute as an NBA participant has quickly diminished these previous couple of seasons.
“It’s unlucky for Westbrook that they’re doing a few of these issues to him,” Robertson mentioned. “I believe the man may be very priceless to any workforce he’s with however by some means they wish to blame any individual. 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 zeal. You’ll be able to’t actually train a man to wish to do every part on the courtroom, it must 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 not too long ago defended Russ and his legacy.
The guard is beginning a brand new NBA chapter with the Nuggets and despite the fact that he isn’t the participant he as soon as was, he can nonetheless contribute positively to a workforce. At the least Denver are hoping so.