The offseason allows NBA players time to refine their game while preparing their bodies for the harsh pounding of the upcoming 82 game season. Players also use the offseason to give back, like John Wall, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge who gave out school supplies and like Joakim Noah who treated inner-city youth to a back-to-school shopping spree.
Russell Westbrook is also lending a helping hand off the court this summer. Already known for making an impact on the community in Oklahoma City, Westbrook returned to his hometown of Los Angeles to open three Russell's Reading Rooms at three different elementary schools, one of which the Thunder guard attended as a child. Through his Why Not? Foundation, Westbrook has already opened three reading rooms in three schools in Oklahoma City. According to his foundation, Russell's Reading Rooms are a literacy initiative created to provide children access to books and a safe environment to read with friends.
With Los Angeles being his hometown, it was a priority of Westbrook's to open reading rooms at schools there this summer. The opportunity to open one at his old grade school, the 75th Street Elementary school made it quite special. Westbrook even got to see a few of his old teachers.
Always hustling, having active hands on defense and attacking the basket with reckless abandon, Westbook's energy seems to have no bounds on a basketball court. Apparently his energy level is the same off the court as he opened all three LA-area reading rooms on the same day.
Westbrook will now turn his attention to the upcoming season where the Thunder are back to being championship contenders.
