In Q1, I conducted a poll. The prompt was four pop culture topics. Congrats to Sonic 3 on second place.
My origin story with Russell Westbrook probably began at UCLA, where he was already building a reputation as a player with passion, hops, and theatrics. In the league that only increased and his MVP season was a thing of beauty, as were his clutch playoff moments and his OKC Thunder run with a younger Kevin Durant and a younger James Harden and a younger Serge Ibaka.
The older I’ve gotten, and the longer I’ve been in the workforce, the more my priorities and other people’s perceptions of me have changed. The same can be said for Russell Westbrook. People slight him for his shooting and his changing of teams (5 in the past 6 years), but more notably, his decision making. Bonehead Westbrook Plays get their own posts on IG, because Westbrook has become someone that is laughed at.
I have never laughed at Russell Westbrook. Because I understand Russell Westbrook. And I think he makes a ton of sense, if you look at him simply as a man who has had the same job for a while.
I don’t have “it” every day. Neither does Russell Westbrook. But I try hard, just like Russell Westbrook. At times, it is clear why a company invested in me, just like Russell Westbrook. Other times, my behavior warrants a question mark, just like Russell Westbrook. But one thing that doesn’t waver — my colleagues ride for me, just like Russell Westbrook. I love them and they love me, just like Russell Westbrook. Sometimes I want to wear barely-buttoned shirts and be a model, just like Russell Westbrook. And I love to dance, even if it’s at work, exactly like Russell Westbrook. But when it’s all said and done, so much of what I do is for my city, exactly like Russell Westbrook.
He’s a man on a journey and it’s been a joy to be along for a ride. And after Westbrook retires, I will cry during the video montage, the jersey retirement, and through his hall of fame speech. Because I can never underplay how special it is to watch someone go to work and give it their all, even when it’s not all working.