Russell Westbrook
A whirlwind of athletic fury who redefined the triple-double and played with a relentless, unapologetic passion that captivated the NBA.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 12·Millennials
Biography
Russell Westbrook exploded onto the NBA scene not just as a player, but as a force of nature. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics just before their move to Oklahoma City, he became the kinetic engine of a young Thunder team that quickly rose to contention. His game was a spectacle of raw power and speed, a point guard who attacked the rim with the ferocity of a center and rebounded with the hunger of a forward. This unique blend culminated in the 2016-17 season, where he averaged a triple-double for the first time since Oscar Robertson, a feat he would repeat for three consecutive years. While his style sparked debate, his intensity never wavered. Westbrook's career, marked by MVP honors, scoring titles, and a record number of triple-doubles, is a testament to playing at one speed: maximum, forever altering expectations for what a guard could physically dominate.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Russell was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Russell Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Russell's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2017 after averaging a triple-double for the season.
- Broke the NBA's all-time record for career triple-doubles.
- Led the NBA in scoring twice (2015, 2017) and in assists three times.
- Earned NBA All-Star Game MVP honors in 2015 and 2016.
Did You Know?
He was drafted fourth overall in 2008, behind Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo.
He and his wife, Nina, have a son named Noah and twin daughters named Skye and Jordyn.
He is known for his unique and bold fashion choices off the court.
“Why not?”
