Challenges Faced by Russell Westbrook: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Russell Westbrook faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player currently with the Denver Nuggets. Primarily a point guard, he entered the NBA in 2008 and rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six NBA teams throughout his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

April 25, 2013: Knee Injury

On April 25, 2013, in the second game of the series against the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook injured his right knee when Rockets guard Patrick Beverley collided with him.

April 27, 2013: Knee Surgery

On April 27, 2013, Russell Westbrook had surgery on his right knee and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.

2013: Right Meniscus Tear

In 2013, Russell Westbrook tore his right meniscus.

2013: Second surgery on right knee

Prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, Russell Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, setting back his return to basketball.

2014: Fractured Right Hand

After scoring 38 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand in the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2014-15 season.

2014: Thunder miss playoffs

In the 2014-15 NBA season, after Russell Westbrook's amazing performances, the Thunder missed the playoffs, finishing ninth in the West with a 45–37 record.

2015: Misses playoffs for the first time since 2015

The 2021–22 season was the third season in Westbrook's career, and the first since 2015, in which he missed the playoffs.

2017: NBA Rule Change Impact

In 2017, an NBA rule change, restricting movement between free throws, impacted Russell Westbrook's free throw routine and percentage.

September 2018: Westbrook undergoes knee procedure

In September 2018, Russell Westbrook underwent a procedure to address inflammation in his right knee, causing him to miss the preseason and the first two regular-season games of the 2018–2019 season.

2019: NBA season suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season began due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In July, Westbrook tested positive for COVID-19.

2020: Westbrook receives criticism for play quality

As his first season with the Lakers progressed, Westbrook received criticism for his perceived poor quality of play relative to the Lakers' 2020 championship season.

April 5, 2022: Lakers eliminated from playoff contention

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating them from obtaining a playoff berth.

April 26, 2024: Ejection from Playoff Game

On April 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook was ejected from Game Three of the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks after receiving two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington during the 101-90 loss.

January 2025: Decline in Free Throw Percentage

As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook's free throw percentage has declined in the latter years of his career.

January 2025: Criticisms and Praises

As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook's three-point shooting and turnovers are points of criticism, while teammates praise his leadership and work ethic.