The last few seasons have been difficult for Russell Westbrook. A turbulent stint with the Lakers began the spiral which saw a brief revival once he moved to the Clippers. However, as far as seeing joy on Brodie’s face, he has loved life in Denver thus. “Grateful” to have Nikola Jokić on his side, the triple-double leader is stamping his energy in the Mile High City. It’s reminding many of the glittering legacy that Westbrook has already carved in the NBA. And tonight was a moment to celebrate his achievements.

Westbrook turned 36, marking another successful year for the Nuggets’ explosive playmaker. Singing and grooving in his Instagram post, the former MVP showed gratitude for his fans and loved ones. “Appreciate all the love,” he wrote under the warming video. Yet, the wishes had only just started.

Some of the biggest celebrities and athletes left their congrats for Russell Westbrook. “Happy birthday my brother!” came from Deion Sanders who is currently transforming the Colorado football team. Decorated Olympian Michael Phelps, Odell Beckham Jr., and several of his other teammates also joined in on celebrating his 36th birthday. The Olympian wrote, “Hbd!”

Currently this season, NBA fans have got to enjoy vintage Westbrook on several occasions. Additionally, his infectious energy has been openly welcomed by Malone and the Nuggets. Contempt and in a fanbase that appreciates him, Russell Westbrook aims to help the Joker win another title in Denver.

Russell Westbrook – the teammate

The out-pour of love Westbrook received on his birthday is an indication. Several of his former teammates, such as Wenyen Gabriel, left a sweet message. “Happy Bday living legend,” the former Laker wrote. In hindsight, from a performance standpoint, Westbrook’s image has been incessantly tarnished.

But even with that, none of his teammates ever held any resentment toward him. Why?

It’s because Westbrook was a man of the people first before he became an NBA superstar. Behind his struggles, Russ embodies what it means to be a teammate. Bradley Beal, who shares a brother-like relationship with John Wall, called Westbrook his “best teammate.” They only spent a single season in Washington.

Austin Reaves even had a story to showcase just how generous Russell Westbrook is. After suffering from COVID and still a rookie, the blossoming Lakers guard couldn’t get out of Minnesota for a week due to his illness. In that span, one man regularly offered his help. “He reached out like three or four times, asked me if I needed anything, offered to send me stuff, whatever I needed. So as a person, you couldn’t get better. And same as a teammate. He was always empowering everybody to really be better and do better,” he said about his former teammate on All The Smoke.

As an NBA star, Russell Westbrook has honored the game and been a behemoth in his prime. But what peers will remember most about him is his ability to include all of his teammates and instill teamwork and camaraderie effortlessly.