Rockets’ Russell Westbrook shares his true purpose

Houston Rockets superstar Russell Westbrook enlightened America on his true purpose, which extends far beyond basketball.

Following the Houston Rockets‘ victory in Game 5, Russell Westbrook expressed his feelings on the social injustice issue in America. Westbrook is a firm believer in using his platform to speak on the injustice and the need for social justice.

This should come as no surprise, for a multitude of reasons. For starters, Westbrook has long been known to give back to his community, as evident by him launching the Westbrook/Brownstein Green Tech Program, which was designed to equip at-risk inner-city Los Angeles youths with skills that could yield them future jobs in the Information Technology industry.

It should also come as no surprise because of his close tithes with LeBron James and Chris Paul, who are two of the true leaders in the NBA. Westbrook partnered with James and Paul to help get the season re-started during the pandemic.

Houston Rockets’ Westbrook shares true purpose

Westbrook’s post-game interview entailed a great message towards certain popular athletes.

“Use our platforms to our advantage. Guys like me [Russell Westbrook] have a platform that we can find ways to impact and inspire as many people as possible,” as Westbrook emphasized after Game 5 on TNT. “My legacy is going to be based on how much I give back to my people, how much I give back to the community. That’s all I worry about.”

Recently, on August 23rd, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by Rusten Shesky, an officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The African-American community was already in shambles after the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor slayings, which were also caused by law enforcement.

Teams in the NBA bubble did not play on August 26th as scheduled, which left the playoffs in limbo. Other NBA teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers didn’t take the court either.

The walk-out and postponement of playoff games sent a clear message, as we heard players like George Hill, LeBron James, and Chris Paul become spokesmen for their teams, demanding change in America. LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers gave a heart-warm message, following the Clips’ blowout victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of their opening round series.

Former Rockets forward Robert Horry delivered an emotional speech, in regards to the civil unrest in America, explaining that he worries about his own children, due to the police brutality that we’ve witnessed.

Athletes in the WNBA, MLB, and NFL also showed their support by not playing games, cancelling practices, and taking the time to speak to the public about social injustice.

Games resume tonight. The fight for justice and equality never stops. pic.twitter.com/OQVrkEIiJR

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 28, 2020

These athletes want to see change in America, as this has become a restless situation for the African-American community. Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has been a vigilante of the importance of voting, and especially in the bubble, as he’s worn multiple shirts with messages urging people to vote.

Hi: If you scan the barcode on Mike D’Antoni’s shirt, it will open a link that registers you to vote in the upcoming election. pic.twitter.com/MP8gZZgU5F

— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) August 30, 2020

Former Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith walked off the TNT set to join the players in their protest, and later explained that the players have the power to spark change.

Kudos to Westbrook for utilizing his platform and this power to demand change in America and to better the lives of those in the community.