about russell

Family man, professional athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Russell Westbrook brings the same drive and determination off the court as he does on it. Through Russell Westbrook Enterprises and the Why Not? Foundation, he builds ventures, invests in innovative businesses, and empowers communities — all guided by his “Why Not?” mindset to turn vision into action.

On-court

Off-court

On-court

Russell Westbrook is one of the NBA’s most dynamic players. A nine-time All-Star and former MVP, he has earned All-NBA selections, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a reputation for relentless intensity and leadership on the court.

Off-court

Off the court, Russell channels that same energy into entrepreneurship, investments, and community impact. Through the Why Not? Foundation and strategic ventures, he empowers communities, drives innovation, and turns purpose into action

timeline

1988

Russell Westbrook, III was born on November 12, 1988 in Long Beach, California. He and his brother, Raynard, were raised in the inner city of Los Angeles by their parents, Russell, Jr. and Shannon Westbrook. Russell's father trained him and Raynard in football and then basketball while Shannon made sure they were equally focused on academics.

Entering Leuzinger High School at just 5 ft 8 in and 140 pounds Russell was not immediately a stand out player and did not start on the school's varsity basketball team until his junior year. While he did not receive much attention from top basketball schools, he continued to work hard with the support of his family and friends. Russell's senior year he averaged over 25 points per game and led Leuzinger to a 25-4 record and then graduated with honors and a 3.9 GPA.

2008

High school is where Russell's mantra of "Why Not?" was born. Every time he, his friends and his family faced adversity instead of being defeated they asked themselves, "Why Not?" and worked even harder. Russell was offered a scholarship to UCLA and was able to further his education and continue to play basketball in his hometown of Los Angeles. During his time with the Bruins they went to back-to-back Final Fours and he was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore.

After two years at UCLA Russell opted to leave school and pursue a professional career. Many thought this was the wrong decision but Russell believed in himself and "Why Not?". He was selected fourth overall by the Seattle Supersonics in the 2008 NBA draft, which became the Oklahoma City Thunder shortly thereafter.

2012

Russell's accomplishments go far beyond the basketball court as he started the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation in 2012. His foundation is dedicated to inspiring the lives of children, empowering them to ask "Why Not?" and teaching them to never give up.

Giving back to his community is important to Russell and he was recognized for his philanthropic efforts in 2015 when he received the NBA's season long Community Assist Award.

2015

In 2015 Russell married his college sweetheart, Nina, who also played basketball at UCLA. Nina is a marriage and family therapist and owns a children's and lifestyle boutique in Oklahoma City. Russell and Nina are the proud parents of a son, Noah, and twin girls Skye and Jordyn.

2016-2017

While playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell was named an eight-time NBA All-Star, won two scoring titles, two NBA All-Star game MVP awards, and was named the NBA MVP for the 2016-2017 season.

Russell, is just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. Along with Oscar Robertson, he did so four times in the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 seasons.

Timeline

1988 / Early Life

Russell Westbrook III was born in Long Beach and raised in Los Angeles alongside his brother Raynard, by parents Russell Jr. and Shannon. With his father training him in sports and his mother instilling discipline in the classroom, Russell grew into both a competitor and a scholar. Though undersized early in high school, his relentless work ethic helped him blossom into a star by his senior year — graduating with honors and a 3.9 GPA.

2008 / NBA Draft

The “Why Not?” mantra was born out of Russell’s high school years — a reminder to defy doubt and push through adversity. After two standout seasons at UCLA, he carried that mindset into the 2008 NBA Draft, where he was selected 4th overall by the Seattle Supersonics (soon to become the Oklahoma City Thunder). It was the beginning of a professional career defined by fearless energy.

2012 / Why Not? Foundation

Russell established the Why Not? Foundation to empower underserved communities through education, mentorship, and access to resources. What began as a personal commitment grew into a movement, inspiring youth across the country to embrace their own “Why Not?” moments.

2015 / Marriage & Family

Russell married his college sweetheart, Nina Earl, a fellow UCLA basketball alum. Together they’ve built a family grounded in love and purpose, raising their three children — Noah, Skye, and Jordyn — while supporting each other’s passions on and off the court.

2016 / Olympic Gold

Russell represented Team USA at the Rio Olympics, where he helped secure a Gold Medal. Competing on the global stage was a career highlight and a source of pride, representing both his country and the values of teamwork and perseverance.

2017 / NBA MVP

Russell cemented his place in history as the 2016–17 NBA Most Valuable Player after averaging a triple-double for the season — the first player to do so in more than 55 years. The MVP award marked one of the defining achievements of his career.

1988

2008

2012

2015

2016

2017

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