NBA fans, legends, and a panel of judges all agree. Russell Westbrook is an MVP candidate on and off the court. And for his achievements in the OKC community and schools and food banks around the United States, Westbrook has been honored with the 2015 NBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Russ had a career and All-Star season in 2014-2015, leading his Thunder team to a tiebreaker shy of an NBA Playoff berth. Westbrook took home All-Star Game MVP honors, and as a result, won a brand-spanking new car. What did he do with that car? He gave it to single mother in need Kerstin Gonzalez. And that isn't even close to the most monumental actions he has taken off the court.
The OKC guard founded his Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation a few years back in 2012, and has since changed the lives of many. The Why Not? Foundation has supplied lots of needed funding to education programs throughout great Oklahoma City. Westbrook founded the organization on the belief that any kind of adversity can be fought through, as he was told by his mom as a child just to ask himself "Why not?". The RW Why Not? Foundation has also supported family service programs and any community-based education.
In addition to his regular activities with the foundation, Westbrook also organizes special holiday food banks and events to help individuals and families in need of a blessing or inspiration. His summer basketball camp also helps him reach out and motivate kids just like he was.
As part of NBA Cares, Russell Westbrook surely shows he cares. This was a well-deserved award for Russ.