Oscar Robertson is one of the most legendary players in NBA history, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to make it in the league.
He also knows that some people don’t get a fair reception from fans and analysts.
Speaking on the “All the Smoke” podcast, Robertson defended Russell Westbrook and said that he receives unnecessary blame from people.
“It’s unfortunate that they’re doing some of these things to him… Why blame him?” Robertson said.
Oscar Robertson says he doesn’t understand why the league has turned its back on Russell Westbrook
“It’s unfortunate that they’re doing some of these things to him… Why blame him?”
(🎥 @allthesmokeprod / h/t @ClutchPoints )
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 8, 2025
Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and former MVP.
However, he is also someone who has heard a lot of criticism, especially recently.
When he was dominating with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, Westbrook was endlessly praised for his determination and nonstop drive.
He has been celebrated for his undying motor and the way that he shows up and plays his heart out for every single game.
But over the last few years, people have said that Westbrook has been frustrating and inconsistent and not a true team player.
That’s why it hasn’t been surprising to see him move from one team to the next, playing for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets.
At every location, certain fans said that Westbrook just didn’t fit and was hurting each team.
Now, Westbrook is without a home in the league and is not in a lineup for the first time in nearly 20 years.
There is certainly a stigma attached to Westbrook now, and his loyal supporters hope he can shake it off because they feel it isn’t fair.
Everyone has their faults, but Westbrook isn’t deserving of so much negativity, according to Robertson and Westbrook’s legion of followers.
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