May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Russell Westbrook’s Heartfelt Speech on NBA Legend Goes Viral

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Will Despart | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 12:10 PM ET

Ever since Russell Westbrook officially became "Mr. Triple Double" in 2017 and matched Oscar Robinson's feat of averaging the gaudy stat line throughout an entire NBA season, the two NBA legends have had a deep link between their two careers.

Because of this unique connection, it was Westbrook who got the honor of presenting Robertson with the 2025 Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPYs on Wednesday.

Robertson received the prestigious honor not for his illustrious playing career, but for his role in filing a 1970 antitrust lawsuit against the NBA as president of the NBAPA, which eventually led to the implementation of league-wide free agency with the establishment of the Oscar Robertson Rule in 1976.

Russell Westbrook presents Oscar Robertson with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage pic.twitter.com/0mSWTbVTfB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 17, 2025

Robertson achieved this great victory, widely considered the most consequential labor decision in American sports history, in the face of unrelenting threats, pressure, and racism from his opposition.

"Oscar Robinson will always be the triple-double OG," Westbrook said. "The first player to average one for a season, he was also an MVP and NBA champion. But the reason I'm here to tell you about the 'Big O' tonight is something a little different, a different way he changed the game for us."

"Today, they call the NBA a player's league, and that's because of Oscar. His conviction, his composure, and his courage."

Before Robertson accepted the award, he was introduced by Russell Westbrook and a video documenting The Father of Free Agency's legacy and influence, including commentary from Lebron James, Shaquille O'Neal and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. https://t.co/8fSupinML8 pic.twitter.com/IhdKfzBpsk
— WCPO 9 (@WCPO) July 17, 2025

As an Arthur Ashe Award for Courage winner, Robertson is now among some of the most hallowed names in the history of sports humanitarianism. Pat Tillman, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Nelson Mandela, Bill Russell, and Jim Valvano are just a sampling of Robertson's newfound company.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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