Rare Photos of Russell Westbrook

SI Staff | Jun 19, 2012

Rare Photos of Russell Westbrook

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With an image of a basketball shaved into his hair, the sophomore Westbrook shares a laugh on the sidelines during a UCLA exhibition at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles versus Chico State in November 2007. The Bruins defeated their northern neighbors in a blowout, 93-55.

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As a sophomore at UCLA, Russell Westbook waits to check into a game at the University of Arizona's McKale Center in 2008. In his second and final season as a Bruin, Westbrook was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a third-team all-conference selection.

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The fourth overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook shakes hands with commissioner David Stern at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden after being chosen by the Seattle SuperSonics. The Sonics would become the Thunder after moving to Oklahoma City during that offseason, and Westbrook would never officially suit up as a member of the Seattle franchise despite being a part of its last draft class.

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A member of the Rookie team participating in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, Westbrook sits on the bus awaiting the game as part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. Westbrook scored 12 points in a 122-116 loss to the Sophomores, who were led by Thunder teammate Kevin Durant's game-high 46 points.

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As a member of the United States team, Westbrook (7) battles to get a shot off against Turkey's Semih Erden in the final match of the 2010 FIBA World Championship held in Istanbul. Playing 24 minutes, Westbrook tallied 13 points in helping lead the U.S. to the title.

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Westbrook helps an Oklahoma City family shop for groceries at a Homeland Store in March 2011. The family was chosen by the Memorial Park Boys and Girls Club to receive a grocery shopping spree, and the Thunder's starting point guard was credited with the assist.

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As a third-year player, Westbrook looks to hit his mark as part of the Taco Bell Skills Challenge at the 2011 NBA All-Star festivities at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Westbrook finished second in the competition, posting a 30-second time in the final round, which was bested by two seconds by the champion, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

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Westbrook, a southpaw, though he actually shoots right-handed, signs an autograph for a fan as part of the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Westbrook was making his first appearance in an All-Star game that year, and made his second in 2012.

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Westbrook turns the tables on Daniel Curtis Lee, one of the stars of Disney's "Zeke and Luther." The actor was on hand at the 2011 NBA Finals to speak with several top NBA talents when Westbrook decided to take the interview into his own hands.

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During a February 2012 NBA Cares Day of Service, Westbrook helped children paint during the All-Star Weekend at the Coalition for the Homeless in Orlando. The events marked Westbrook's second selection to the NBA All-Star team.

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Westbrook takes a moment to put his feet up at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City before Game 4 of the 2012 Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Westbrook had 25 points and eight rebounds in an important 107-99 victory.

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Westbrook strikes a pose with Boston Celtics big man Kevin Garnett at the Call of Duty XP video game contest in September 2011 in Los Angeles. The first of its kind, the event took place at the Stages at Playa Vista and was hosted by the game's producer, Activision.

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Westbrook has some fun posing for photos during the NBAE Circuit at the Hilton Hotel in Orlando as part of the 2012 All-Star Weekend. Westbrook was surely all smiles in the game, scoring 21 points as a reserve on the West's way to a 152-149 win.

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Always the style hound, Westbrook arrives to The ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif. in July 2011. The Connecticut Post subsequently awarded him a C- on its fashion report card from the ceremony.

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Sporting a pink Lacoste polo and glasses, the 23-year-old Russell Westbrook exits the arena following a game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Long Beach, Calif., native has become known as much for his eclectic fashion sense as he is for his aggressive and effective play at the point for his Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Dressed to impress, Westbrook arrives to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round playoffs. The Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks 95-79 on their way to a series sweep, 4-0.

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Russell Westbrook, wearing his now-trademark glasses and funky shirt look during the postgame interview, answers questions after a Western Conference Finals game against the San Antonio Spurs. Westbrook averaged just better than 18 points and seven assists in a spot under 39 minutes per game during the six-game series.