Russell Westbrook is something of a trendsetter in the NBA. Sure, his style of play is unique, as is the fact that he’s the first player in league history to average a triple-double in back-to-back seasons. But the place where Westbrook really stands out is in the tunnel leading into the stadium where he is playing, as his fashion sense is truly one of a kind.
Well, let’s rephrase that: His fashion sense is one of a kind up until the point it is replicated. We don’t have too many specific examples of humans doing this, but thanks to the Toronto Raptors’ mascot, The Raptor, we have an example of a prehistoric figure copping Westbrook’s sense of dress.
The Raptor showed up to Toronto’s Game 2 matchup with the Washington Wizards dressed in a suit with no undershirt.
Heading into Game 2 with #ShirtlessSwag! @TheStarters @raptors #NoShirtSzn pic.twitter.com/2UiAUbN1fn
— The Raptor (@the_raptor) April 17, 2018
It is, obviously, very silly to see a mascot dressed like this, and it’s not exactly hard to see the parallels between The Raptor and how Westbrook has shown up for games in the past.
Looks like Russell Westbrook is The Raptor's fashion icon 🤣 pic.twitter.com/jBaaZZb9GM
— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2018
Because the Raptors are not playing the Thunder right now, we’re taking this more as a tribute to Westbrook’s fashion sense than a shot at last year’s league MVP. Although who knows, maybe we’ll get a Thunder-Raptors matchup in the NBA Finals and we can see The Raptor show up to a game in a photo vest or something.
