Jordan Farmar's decision kickstarted Russell Westbrook's legacy

Russell Westbrook has become one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His career started off as a three-star prospect from Leuzinger High School. Westbrook had aspirations of going to UCLA. But with the team coming off of a trip to the National Title game. The team had no open spots available to offer a scholarship.

Then the opportunity came. Point guard, Jordan Farmar declared for the NBA Draft. Opening up a scholarship spot which UCLA was then able to offer Westbrook. At the time he was not a highly recruited prospect and was most likely heading to UC San Diego. Westbrook’s calling card was defense and being able to use his athleticism. He was more of a combo guard that was still figuring out how to control the pace of the game.

His freshman year, Westbrook would play very sparingly behind Darren Collison. On a UCLA team that would make another Final Four run before losing to Florida again. Westbrook would show some glimpses of offense throughout the year. But his main goal was to come in and help on the defensive end. Which he would do just that in Ben Howland’s defensive schemes.

His sophomore year is where he would really have his breakout. Westbrook would go on to become the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Pairing his suffocating defense with his growing offensive game as a combo guard. With Collison still handling the duties as the main facilitator. Helping UCLA make a third straight Final Four where they lost to the Derrick Rose led Memphis Tigers.

Shortly after, Westbrook would declare for the 2008 NBA Draft. Where surprisingly he would be selected by the Seattle SuperSonics, who just a short while after that became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder were deciding between Westbrook and Brook Lopez. Safe to say, they made the right decision on the best player that they’ve had in their franchise history. Combining a superstar player with the loyalty he showed to the city and state.

Westbrook leads the Thunder in points scored and created his legacy with the team. Which included his 2017 NBA MVP, while breaking the single season triple double record and doing things people thought would never be done. He stayed loyal to Oklahoma after Kevin Durant left following the 2016 playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Westbrook currently is 23rd all time in points with 26,276, 8th in assists with 9,954 and 15th in steals at 1,963. Turning in an NBA career that all started with him being considered a combo guard. He elevated his game and became one of the best point guards ever to step onto an NBA floor. Leading the way with an all-time record of 203 triple doubles.

To top it off, being a superstar on the court is not the only thing Westbrook has done. He also is very involved in the community. Donating his time and creating Reading Rooms in Oklahoma City and Los Angeles. His Why Not Foundation helps so many in need and Westbrook is always there around holiday times. He donated his car he won for the 2015 All-Star weekend to a single mom who didn’t have a car and is always giving back to his alum school of UCLA.

Through all the criticism in his career. Westbrook has never changed who he is. He helps the community and he’s a superstar on the court. Nine-time All-Star, NBA MVP, three time assists leader, two-time points leader. He will have a statue built in Oklahoma City and his number 0 retired. Westbrook is a first ballot Hall of Fame point guard as a player and a genuine human being. It all started with Jordan Farmar declaring for the 2006 NBA Draft.