“Started from the bottom!” NBA champion admits writing off Russell Westbrook in college

Jrue Holiday recalled his first on-court meeting with Russell Westbrook and his initial thoughts on the nine-time NBA All-Star.

“Started from the bottom!” NBA champion admits writing off Russell Westbrook in college

Jrue Holiday gave Russell Westbrook his flowers after initial misjudgment

Jrue Holiday appeared as a guest on the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, hosted by Paul George, Dallas Rutherford, and Jackie Long. They covered various hot topics, from load management issues to hypothetically fighting Jake Paul for $50 million.

When the conversation shifted toward NBA players and teammates, George asked Holiday about his relationship with his fellow UCLA alumnus and standout athlete Russell Westbrook. The 34-year-old recalled his first meeting with Russell on the court.

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The first time I played against Russ was my senior year when I was going up there hooping, and I think Russell was a freshman.

Jrue Holiday said (via Podcast P with Paul George)

Jrue Holiday admitted that he didn’t see anything special in Westbrook at that time. Like everyone else, he had his doubts about Brodie’s potential and proficiency. Soon, however, Westbrook would transform into Beastbrook, and Holiday was a firsthand witness to it all.

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Russ was like, he wasn’t as athletic as he is now, but he was still… he was still good though. Next year, that’s when Russ dunked on dudes…. I was like, not sure I see it. Just to be like, I didn’t know. But yeah, big bro, he, he showed up. He like started from the bottom and I feel like Russ is a Hall of Famer now because he’s still got that same energy.

Jrue Holiday added
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Russell Westbrook: From Overlooked Freshman to Future Hall of Famer

The Russell Westbrook story is one of conviction, grit, and perseverance. When he first walked onto the UCLA campus in 2006, he wasn’t a highly touted prospect or the electrifying player many fans are accustomed to today. Westbrook once admitted that he never thought about playing in the NBA.

I never thought I was going to play in the NBA, A lot of people who are in the NBA now have been good since they were eight. I wasn’t good until I was 17.

Russell Westbrook said (via Bleacher Report)

However, it hasn’t been short of a Cinderella story. In his sophomore year, he started doing military drills and practicing with pros like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. As a result, Westbrook went from averaging 3.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game in his freshman year to a dramatic 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in his second year.

Today, Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, all-time leader in triple-doubles, and NBA MVP. Brodie’s extensive resume speaks for itself. Sure, there have been multiple moments of adversity and hardship along the way, but that’s what makes it real.