As Russell Westbrook’s retirement begins to settle in, it is interesting to look back at just how popular a figure he was in the prime of his career.
Westbrook was one of the biggest stars in the NBA during the 2010s, with the 2016-17 season being the pinnacle of his career.
That year, Westbrook won the MVP award after averaging a triple-double for the entire season. And upon achieving this career highlight, Westbrook was congratulated by one of the biggest stars in the world.
Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for TNTTaylor Swift ‘congratulated’ Russell Westbrook for his 2016-17 MVP seasonWhen Russell Westbrook was named the 2016-17 MVP at the inaugural NBA Awards ceremony in June of that year, the world took notice of the superstar.
One of the people who was first through the door to congratulate Westbrook was none other than Taylor Swift, who sent a hilarious video message.
“I taught you how to play basketball. I was the one who taught you to dribble, to shoot hoops, and I remember the first time you beat me at basketball, and I was very upset.
“You said, if you remember correctly, ‘You just have to shake it off.’ And I got an idea. So essentially, we have each other to thank for these careers.
“That’s why I am part of your congratulations video, because we go back, what, 20 years? We’ve actually never met, and that’s a fake story, but I wish it were the truth.
“You are amazing! You are the MVP, and I’m so happy for you! Sending you the biggest hug ever. Congratulations!”
Swift giving Westbrook credit for inspiring her to write ‘Shake It Off,’ one of her biggest songs of all time, while taking credit for his basketball career was a hilarious moment.
But the joke didn’t last very long, as Swift dropped the act quickly to offer the MVP an earnest and heartfelt congratulations message.
Taylor Swift was just as big a star in 2017 as she is today, so to see one of the world’s biggest icons take time to shine a light on Westbrook just shows how incredibly popular he was at the time.
And now, with his career in the rearview mirror, fans of Westbrook can look back at the best moments of his tenure in the league and remember them fondly.
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