Russell Westbrook’s interactions with the media have long been a talking point in basketball. Following a March game, Westbrook appeared nonchalant at a podium, seemingly more interested in his phone charger than the assembled media. But when questioned about a loss against the Pelicans, his indifference quickly vanished.
Westbrook confronted the local media, accusing them of providing false context and making judgments without attending practices or film sessions. He stated, “You don’t know anything about me… But you make a lot of comments as though you do know me, my intent. I see it.”
A History of Contempt
Howard Beck, The Ringer’s Senior NBA Writer and president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, previously called Westbrook the toughest player to interview. This was back in 2017. Beck described Westbrook as oozing contempt for the media, or at least for the interview process. He noted that Westbrook’s answers were often clipped, condescending, frequently defensive, and occasionally hostile.
Beck stood by his earlier comments. He told The Sporting News that Westbrook is at a particular end of the spectrum, among the more contemptuous of the media. He added that he does not think that is hyperbolic or anything other than an objective assessment.
The Private Side of Westbrook
Westbrook’s public persona often clashes with his private behaviour. While he often appears surly, argumentative, and short with the press, he is reportedly a different man in private. He is said to be defined by a borderline-obsessive level of kindness.
Many media members have experienced difficult interactions with Westbrook, with being ghosted by him considered a rite of passage. One reporter spent seven hours in an arena experiencing it. Westbrook did not respond to an interview request for a story about this.
Changing Perceptions
Fred Katz of The Athletic, who covered Westbrook with both the Thunder and the Wizards, initially disliked the assignment. This was because Westbrook frequently made the job more difficult. However, Katz’s opinion changed as he gained more experience.
Katz admitted that he never thought Westbrook really liked him at all. But the reporter found that there was way more hidden underneath the surface of Westbrook’s gruff exterior.
Katz said that he started to realise from a character perspective, Westbrook is one of the most interesting characters in the history of the NBA and a one-of-one human being. He added that there’s a difference between what people say he’s like behind the scenes and what he’s like in front of the scenes.