Stephen A. Smith isn’t impressed with Russell Westbrook. Responding to the Wizards guard’s historic night in which Westbrook became the first player to record a triple-double with 35 points and more than 20 assists, the ESPN commentator said Westbrook’s accomplishment Monday meant “absolutely nothing” because he hasn’t won a championship.
A day later, Westbrook dismissed the criticism — telling reporters he won’t let another man define him.
In a two-and-a-half-minute answer after Washington’s loss Tuesday to the Charlotte Hornets, Westbrook said he doesn’t like to get in a back-and-forth, though added he is done with allowing people to “create narratives and constantly talk [trash] about me for no reason.” Westbrook said he uses his platform to help people across the world and no one could take that away.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to have a platform to do it,” Westbrook said. “Like I said before, a championship don’t change my life. I’m happy. I was a champion once I made it to the NBA. I grew up in the streets. I’m a champion. I don’t have to be an NBA champion. I know many people that got NBA championships that’s miserable, haven’t done nothing for their community, haven’t done nothing for the people in our world.”
On Tuesday’s “First Take,” Smith said he had the “utmost respect” for Westbrook, but said he wasn’t fazed by Westbrook’s stat line against the Indiana Pacers (35 points, 21 assists, 14 rebounds).
The comments caused Westbrook’s wife, Nina, to fire back on social media — posting an Instagram story that took aim at the “First Take” host. She wrote that college athletes shouldn’t listen to analysts like Smith, pleading to not let “anyone place value on your talent.”
Westbrook said it’s important to not let the negativity seep in.
“There’s no other player that kinda takes the heat that I take constantly,” Westbrook said. “But I take it as a positive because obviously, I’m doing something right if people are talking about me. And that’s how I feel.”
Westbrook: “I’m happy. I was a champion once I made it to the NBA. I grew up in the streets. I don’t have to be an NBA champion…My legacy is what I do off the floor, how many people I’m able to impact and inspire along my journey.” pic.twitter.com/OAvWYXs3g8
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 31, 2021
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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