Recently, a user on Reddit asked: “Was OKC Westbrook really elite?” 

Good sir/madam/non-binary person, the man averaged a triple-double for three consecutive seasons. A triple-double. For three consecutive seasons. You know what consecutive means, don’t you? It means one after the motherf**king other! (Insert Kat Williams’ face from School Dance).

Yes, Russell Westbrook was one of the most elite players during a time when the NBA was flooded with elite players in their prime; from the likes of Steph Curry, LeBron, Durant, and Chef Harden. There’s a reason why “Brodie” won the MVP in 2017; the man was doing things we hadn’t seen since Oscar Robertson in the ‘60s.   

Now, with all of that said, Russell Westbrook wasn’t the perfect player during this time—far from it. Though he was a proficient scorer, he wasn’t exactly efficient, averaging less than 45% from the field in all three of those seasons. He was also notorious for turning the ball over, averaging over five turnovers per game in 2017, the highest in his career and ironically the same year he won the MVP. And for as much of an electric and explosive player Westbrook was (and continues to be), that energy often resulted in him making some bone-headed decisions on the court, from risky passes to unnecessary shots.  

Nevertheless, between 2016 and 2019, Russell Westbrook was an incredibly fun player to watch. His explosiveness, tenacity, and sheer will to win were captivating to witness. So, put some respect on the future Hall of Famer.