Russell Westbrook is a great basketball player. 2017 NBA MVP, 9 All-Star selections, we could keep going, but this isn’t why we want to talk about him. What we want to talk about is Russell Westbrook's impact on the NBA and fashion. Today, we are spoiled with NBA star pre-tunnel looks that almost generate as much buzz as the games themselves, but when Russell Westbrook was drafted back in 2008 that was not a thing. A strict dress code implemented by the NBA to ‘clean up' the image of the league forced players to wear suits and limited the amount of jewelry they could wear to games. This stifled creativity and sterilized player self-expression all in hopes of attracting more corporate sponsors to the sport.

Russell Westbrook came into the league and began to change the perception of athletes and their style. Whether it was his celebrated lensless glasses or his eye-catching designer shirts, Westbrook was not only outspoken about challenging the league’s dress code, he was hellbent on changing the very perception of athletes and fashion. Westbrook took risks, he followed trends, he went to fashion shows. He put himself out there in ways that now seem so rudimentary but at the time were unprecedented for athletes of his caliber. He showed that style was a form of self-expression and demonstrated to the league how it could be a positive force beneficial to both the players and the NBA. His bold choices and his outspokenness on the subject went a long way in forcing the league to loosen its restrictions and set the stage for the mutually beneficial relationship between the NBA and fashion that we are blessed with today.

We sat down with Westbrook to discuss his early inspirations and what motivated him to create his brand, Honor The Gift.

My mom has always been my biggest inspiration in fashion. When I was growing up, we did not have a ton of money to spend on clothes and shoes but my mom made sure we always looked great despite limited resources. She still is one of the most fashionable people I know and always has the best outfits. I love how effortlessly cool she looks all the time.

What currently inspires you?

My faith and family are the center of my world and are the most important things in my life. They inspire me to be the best I can be and keep working hard.

I created Honor the Gift for the Inner City, where I grew up. My goal is to create accessible and fashionable streetwear. The name of the brand was derived from my faith because I believe God has given everyone a gift and we should honor that. I want everyone to have access to high-quality and fashionable pieces no matter their circumstance.

My favorite piece in this collection is the Private Vest. I think it is versatile but also different from other vests on the market.

I don’t think being an athlete necessarily influences my style. Being an athlete gives me a platform to show off my personal style and my brand. Every game, I have an opportunity to express my creativity and emotions through my dress. It is unique and not something I take for granted. I appreciate the platform that I have been given to express myself and show my creative side.

I am excited for the future of the Honor the Gift brand and all of my other projects. I feel like I have grown as a businessman and entrepreneur and learned so much from all of my endeavors. I am not sure what the future holds but I am constantly looking for a way to make an impact and a lasting legacy in whatever I do. When I eventually retire, I am excited to pour all of my energy into what I have been building all of these years. I am looking forward to see what the future brings.