Future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook only spent one NBA season with the Houston Rockets, but it was certainly a memorable one.
Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game during the 2019-20 season in Houston, all on a career-high 47.2% shooting clip. He was a 2020 All-Star, and his 20 points and 9 rebounds in Game 7 of the first-round playoff series versus Oklahoma City helped Houston advance despite an off night by James Harden.
The former MVP also made an impact in Houston off the court, primarily through community initiatives via his Why Not? Foundation.
As such, even though Westbrook was traded to Washington (for John Wall and a future first-round draft pick) after only one season with the Rockets, the team understandably wanted to show their appreciation when the Wizards made their lone visit of the year to Houston.
Russell Westbrook welcomed back at Toyota Center. pic.twitter.com/zzGzk5xMQh
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) January 27, 2021
As for Westbrook, he tapped his chest and waved to the limited fans in attendance (due to physical distancing) to show his appreciation. The majority of the Toyota Center crowd applauded his efforts.
Now 32 years old, Westbrook entered Tuesday averaging 18.0 points, 10.6 assists, and 9.5 rebounds per game during his debut season in Washington. His shooting percentage, however, has slipped to 37.0%. Westbrook missed several games due to a left quad injury, with Tuesday just his second game back after an absence of nearly two weeks.
Westbrook was also limited by a quadriceps strain in the 2020 playoffs with the Rockets, though that injury was to his right leg.
