Russell Westbrook 4x All-NBA First Team

Lore & Background

The subsequent three years cemented his legacy as an unstoppable force. In 2016, following Kevin Durant's departure and the team's shift in dynamics, Westbrook's numbers exploded, leading him to a historic triple-double average season that secured his third First Team spot. By 2017, he had solidified his place among the league's elite guards, proving that even without his former partner, his individual brilliance was undeniable. These four selections represent the absolute zenith of his time in Oklahoma City, symbolizing a period where the Thunder were feared by every opposing bench.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with the electric tension of a late-season showdown against the Clippers. The clock ticked down under twenty seconds, and Russell Westbrook stood at the free-throw line, sweat dripping onto the polished hardwood of Chesapeake Energy Arena. He wasn't just playing for a win; he was playing for history. As the ball left his hands and swished through the net, the roar of the crowd echoed the voices of thousands who had watched him evolve from a rookie into an All-NBA First Team legend four times over.

Reader's Guide

The path to four First Team selections was paved with consistent excellence and record-breaking performances. In 2014, Westbrook averaged 23 points and 7 assists, proving his two-way value. The following year, he maintained elite production while helping the Thunder reach the Western Conference Finals. In 2016, the narrative shifted to pure domination as Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the season, a feat that shocked analysts and secured his third First Team honor. This was followed by another stellar campaign in 2017 where he continued to lead the league in assists and scoring, earning his fourth consecutive selection. Each award ceremony highlighted the Thunder's resilience and Westbrook's growth from a high-energy rookie into a franchise cornerstone. These honors are not just plaques; they represent four years where no other guard could match his all-around impact on the game.

Did You Know?

• Westbrook is one of only a handful of players in NBA history to make the First Team four times in a row while playing for the same franchise.
• During this streak, he became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season (2016-17).
• His 2015 selection came during a season where the Thunder finished with the second-best record in the NBA despite injuries to key players.
• Westbrook's four First Team selections were all earned while playing alongside Kevin Durant for three of those years, forming a historic backcourt.