Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook was stellar in a lesser role in his first year with the franchise. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in 75 appearances.
Westbrook has been written off for years, as he's become quite the journeyman since being traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The former MVP winner has spent time with five different teams -- no more than two years with the club -- and received plenty of criticism since then.
Westbrook has been dubbed a losing player and has even been deemed a locker room cancer.
Many former teammates and coaches of his have blatantly said that's not true, and that he's a class player in the NBA.
On the hardwood, the Thunder legend was brilliant alongside Nikola Jokic on the Nuggets. His high-energy play, fueled by his incredible motor, was a great lift for Denver on many occasions.
However, Westbrook is class off the floor, too. Despite being traded by the Thunder nearly six years ago, the all-time guard continues to invest in Oklahoma City.
Westbrook and his company, Russell Westbrook Enterprises, recently invested in Oklahoma City's new sports-anchored entertainment district close to the downtown area.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
It was announced on Wednesday that the investors, including Westbrook, selected Populous, an architecture firm, to lead the development as the Master Architect.
Westbrook, on the other hand, was named the Creative Director of the project, showing how active he remains in Oklahoma City.
“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district - we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” Westbrook said. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC.
"I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging - a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”
Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder, winning an MVP, showing the club loyalty and helping the team to four Western Conference Finals appearances.
The Nuggets guard, who recently had surgery on his right hand, continues to make his off-court impact felt, whereas the 36-year-old guard continues to find ways to be a winning player despite being beyond his physical prime.