Westbrook is an MVP on and off the court
AFTER winning the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook delivered an emotional acceptance speech chock full of gratitude and humility. His remarks underscored how fortunate this city and state are to be able to claim Westbrook as their own.
Westbrook won the MVP by putting together a truly historical season, becoming the first player since the great Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average double figures in points, rebounds and assists. His 42 triple-doubles were an NBA record. Consequently, he beat James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James for the MVP trophy.
Westbrook thanked God first and foremost during Monday’s ceremony. “Without His blessing, without His honor, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” he said.
He thanked his coaches and everyone from Chairman Clay Bennett to the arena support staff for their contributions. He thanked the Thunder organization for making him the No. 4 pick in the draft in 2008 “when nobody thought that was a great decision.” It’s difficult to remember that now, after Westbrook’s nine sterling seasons with the Thunder, but there were some who questioned the wisdom of using such a high pick on someone who in two years at UCLA had been a light-scoring, defense-first player.
Westbrook gave a nod to his teammates, men who “sacrificed so much for me throughout the year.” The MVP “is not for me, it’s for all of you guys,” he said.
Westbrook thanked the Thunder fans around the world but particularly in Oklahoma City, and, in a lighter moment, even thanked the media for voting for him.
The most poignant remarks were reserved for his family. Westbrook teared up as he thanked his parents for the sacrifices they made for him and his younger brother, Ray, as they were growing up. Westbrook also made it a point to note that Ray had earned his master’s degree just a few weeks ago. “You’re my role model. I truly look up to you,” he said.
Westbrook’s love for wife, Nina, whom he met when they were at UCLA, was evident. “You make me go,” he said, adding that she had “blessed me with a beautiful son that I’m so thankful for.”
“I just want to say I love you and I thank you for everything you’ve done for me thus far,” he said.
The Oklahoman’s sports section had several stories this week about Westbrook’s impact locally. His Why Not? Foundation has, among other things, built reading rooms in a number of elementary schools, and fed the needy at Thanksgiving. On his own, Westbrook has visited children at area hospitals, or slipped into high school games to watch acquaintances’ teams, or done who knows how many other kind deeds?
On the court, he has given Thunder fans their money’s worth every night for nine years, playing with a passion and intensity that sets him apart. We offer our congratulations for his well-deserved MVP award, kudos on a beautiful speech, and a thank you for his many contributions to the community.