Russell Westbrook is officially retired from the NBA. But apparently, his famous “Why Not?” mentality is not retiring with him.
Westbrook shocked basketball fans when he announced that he was stepping away from the game. The decision came despite reports that several teams were interested in signing the veteran guard.
Instead of chasing another NBA contract, Westbrook decided to walk away on his own terms.
And one of his biggest fans in Korea is making sure people remember what the NBA star meant beyond the basketball court.
The Korean fan, Kimhyunss, has spoken about how Westbrook’s famous “Why Not?” attitude inspired him through the years. And honestly, it is easy to understand why.
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He hopped on Instagram and wrote:
Dear Russ,
You were never just a basketball player for me.
Your “Why Not?” mentality became the motto of my life. No matter what anyone said, it inspired me to keep moving forward with that same fearless spirit.
Driven by the dream of seeing you play, I traveled 6,000 miles from Korea to the United States six timesfrom 2017, when I was still a college student, all the way through 2026.
And when you played for Denver, you personally handed me your jersey on the court. That day became the greatest moment of my life.
The world will remember you as an MVP and the tripledouble king. But I will remember you as someone who always stayed true to himself and gave everything he had, even in the face of criticism, adversity, and failure.
Your playing career ends today, but the “Why Not?” spirit you gave me will never retire.
Thank you for giving me the greatest moment of my life.
Thank you for changing my life.Being your fan will always be one of the greatest honors of my life.
Forever grateful.
Forever loyal.
Forever Why Not.I love you, Russ my hero
Truly and forever.Your fan from Korea,
TH.
A player can spend his career bouncing a basketball in Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, Los Angeles, and elsewhere, yet his biggest impact might happen thousands of miles away.
Westbrook is done playing, but “Why Not?” is still very much alive.
And judging by his fans, it may have a longer career than he does.
