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 is a highly accomplished American professional basketball player celebrated for his speed, athleticism, and fierce competitiveness. Considered among the greatest point guards, he boasts nine All-Star selections and earned the 2017 NBA MVP award. Notably, Westbrook holds the NBA record for career triple-doubles and was honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Furthermore, he contributed to the U.S. national team's success, securing a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He last played for the Denver Nuggets.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 2004: Death of Khelcey Barrs III

In May 2004, Russell Westbrook's best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, died from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game at age 16.

2007: UCLA Lost to Florida in Final Four

In 2007, UCLA, including Russell Westbrook, advanced to the Final Four but lost to eventual national champion Florida, 76–66.

2008: UCLA Lost to Memphis in Final Four

In 2008, UCLA, including Russell Westbrook, advanced to the Final Four but lost to Memphis 78–63.

2012: Appeared in NBA Finals with the Thunder

In 2012, as a member of the Thunder, Russell Westbrook appeared in the NBA Finals, losing to the Miami Heat.

April 25, 2013: Injured Right Knee Against Rockets

On April 25, 2013, Russell Westbrook injured his right knee when Rockets guard Patrick Beverley collided with him during a game. He finished the game with 29 points despite the injury.

April 27, 2013: Underwent Knee Surgery

On April 27, 2013, Russell Westbrook underwent surgery for a slight tear in his right meniscus and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.

2013: Underwent Second Knee Surgery

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

2014: Suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand

After scoring 38 points in a 106–89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2014–15 season opener, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

2014: Thunder Missed Playoffs

Despite Westbrook's performance during the 2014-15 season, the Thunder missed the playoffs, finishing ninth in the West with a 45–37 record.

2014: Westbrook Misses All-Star Game

In 2021, Russell Westbrook was not named to the All-Star Game, marking the first time he missed the game since 2014.

2015: Last Missed Playoffs Before 2021-22 Season

The 2021-22 NBA season was the first time since 2015 that Westbrook missed the playoffs.

2017: Contract Expiration

In 2017, Russell Westbrook's contract was set to expire, leading to trade speculation. However, the Thunder prioritized retaining him and worked towards a contract extension rather than engaging in trade talks.

September 2018: Westbrook Undergoes Knee Procedure in September 2018

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

2019: Suspension of the 2019-20 NBA season

The 2019-20 NBA season was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2020, Westbrook tested positive for COVID-19 and later rejoined the team for the league's restart in Orlando. He sustained a quad strain shortly after.

December 2, 2020: Westbrook Traded to the Washington Wizards

On December 2, 2020, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a 2023 lottery-protected first-round draft pick amidst rumors that he and Harden wanted out from the Rockets.

2020: Reference to Lakers' 2020 Championship Season

During his first season with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook received criticism for his performance, particularly in comparison to the team's success in their 2020 championship season.

2021: Lakers Missed Playoffs

The 2021-22 NBA season was the third season in Westbrook's career in which he missed the playoffs.

April 5, 2022: Lakers Eliminated from Playoff Contention

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating them from playoff contention. This was the third season in Russell Westbrook's career in which he missed the playoffs.

April 26, 2024: Westbrook ejected from playoff game

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