Russell Westbrook Is Officially an NBA Legend: Unchecked

No matter the context, Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson's triple-doubles record is a legendary achievement.

When I was growing up, Oscar Robertson's triple-double season was the stuff of legend. Russell Westbrook is about to do it for the fourth time. I don’t care what context you apply, that’s legendary.

Gotta be honest, never thought I would see a player avg a triple double for a season in my lifetime. To do it 4 out of the last 5 seasons!!! 😲😲. Now to be the ALL time leader. Iconic. All praise due!! 👑💯 #WHYNOT @russwest44

— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 11, 2021

In breaking Robertson’s overall mark, Westbrook deserves his moment. Russ messed around and got 182 triple-doubles!

All of these legends said there was NO WAY anyone would beat Oscar Robertson’s record.

Russell Westbrook just DID that. pic.twitter.com/QJdP7qpUDp

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) May 11, 2021

Sure, he’s not a perfect player. Pointing out a lack of consistency on his jump-shot and some questionable decision making in crunchtime are fair critiques. But that’s no reason to dismiss his statistics, nor his place in history.

Career per 36 minutes:

Oscar Robertson
21.9 Pts
8.1 Ast
6.4 Reb

Russell Westbrook
24.0 Pts
8.8 Ast
7.6 Reb

Westbrook is the only player in NBA history to meet each of those minimums.

— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) May 11, 2021

I dare anyone to tell me they’ve watched Russ over the years and haven’t come away impressed. The pure unbridled ferocity of his game is essentially without peer. Then there’s what he’s achieved in his career: MVP, 2x scoring champ, about to be 3x assist leader, and 9 All-NBA selections so far.

Congratulations to Russ, man. Lord knows there are more than enough debates about what he is and what his value is. But dude has been incredible to watch for a long, long time. We're fortunate to have seen it.

— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) May 11, 2021

Though he may not have a ring, it’s not like he’s putting up meaningless numbers. Westbrook has been in the playoffs 10 times in his previous 12 seasons, including carrying the Thunder there by himself in 2017 after both Kevin Durant and James Harden were gone from OKC. While the current Wizards would not be sniffing the postseason if it wasn’t for what he’s done in Washington. His teams also happen to be 136-46 when he records a triple-double. That statistic hardly seems empty to me.

Oscar’s triple double record is one of those records I never thought I’d ever seen broken. If you do anything but salute Russ for that tonight you got 100% hater blood coursing through your veins.

— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) May 11, 2021

So, Russ deserves a standing one for passing the Big O, as there’s no way to look at this achievement other than as a big W for Westbrook.