Introduction
D’Angelo Russell is a talented basketball player who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Despite being a high draft pick, his career has been plagued by controversy and setbacks. In this article, we will take a look at the inside story of D’Angelo Russell, and why he has been held back.
The Early Years
D’Angelo Russell was born on February 23, 1996, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother and two brothers. Russell began playing basketball at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. He attended Central High School, where he became a standout player on the basketball team.
College Career
After graduating from high school, Russell attended Ohio State University. He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes for one season and was named a consensus first-team All-American. Russell decided to forgo his remaining three years of college eligibility and enter the NBA draft.
The NBA Draft
Russell was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA draft. He was expected to be a key player for the Lakers, but his rookie season was marred by inconsistency and off-court issues. Despite this, Russell showed flashes of brilliance and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Off-Court Controversy
In March 2016, Russell found himself at the center of a controversy when a video he recorded of teammate Nick Young was leaked to the media. In the video, Young can be heard admitting to cheating on his fiancée. The incident caused a rift in the Lakers’ locker room and led to Russell being ostracized by his teammates.
Trade to Brooklyn
In June 2017, the Lakers traded Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. Russell welcomed the change of scenery and saw it as an opportunity to start fresh. He worked hard in the offseason and came into the 2017-2018 season determined to prove himself.
Breakout Season
Russell’s hard work paid off, and he had a breakout season with the Nets. He averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Russell led the Nets to the playoffs, where they were defeated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Free Agency
After his breakout season, Russell became a free agent. The Nets had the option to re-sign him, but they opted to pursue other free agents instead. Russell eventually signed a four-year, $117 million contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Injury and Setbacks
Russell’s time with the Warriors was plagued by injury and setbacks. He missed several games due to a thumb injury and struggled to find his rhythm when he returned to the court. The Warriors also struggled as a team, finishing with a record of 15-50 in the shortened 2019-2020 season.
Trade to Minnesota
In February 2020, Russell was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was reunited with his close friend and former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, and the two were expected to form a dynamic duo on the court.
Current Status
As of the writing of this article, Russell is still a member of the Timberwolves. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency and injuries. Despite this, Russell remains a talented player with a bright future in the NBA.
Conclusion
The inside story of D’Angelo Russell is one of talent, controversy, and setbacks. Despite facing numerous obstacles throughout his career, Russell has shown that he has the ability to be a top player in the NBA. As he continues to work hard and improve his game, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this talented young player.
