50 Facts About D’Angelo Russell

Early Life and Family

D'Angelo Russell's journey to NBA stardom began in Louisville, Kentucky. His family played a significant role in shaping his early years and love for basketball.

1. D'Angelo Russell was born to Anthony and Valerie Russell. His parents provided a supportive environment that nurtured his talent from a young age.

2. His older brother, Antonio, has been a significant influence in his life. Antonio often recalls stories about D'Angelo's early days on the court, highlighting his dedication and passion for the game.

3. Growing up, Russell was nicknamed "Rainbow." This nickname came from his high-arcing shot, which often went in despite his lack of strength. The nickname stuck with him throughout his career.

4. Russell's love for basketball began at a young age. He and his brother would shoot hoops in their grandmother's backyard, where he developed his unique shooting style.

High School and College Career

D'Angelo's talent became evident during his high school years, leading to a successful college career that set the stage for his NBA journey.

5. Russell attended Central High School in Louisville. He had a standout freshman season, showcasing his skills and potential.

6. He then transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida. Montverde Academy is a renowned basketball powerhouse that has produced several NBA players.

7. In 2014, Russell played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes. During his freshman season, he averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.

8. Russell earned the Jerry West Award and consensus first-team All-American honors. His impressive performance in college basketball did not go unnoticed.

9. He recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists against Rutgers. This made him the first Ohio State freshman to achieve this feat.

NBA Draft and Rookie Season

D'Angelo's entry into the NBA marked the beginning of a promising professional career, starting with his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers.

10. On June 25, 2015, Russell was selected second overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. This marked the beginning of his professional basketball career.

11. In his rookie season with the Lakers, Russell averaged 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team for his impressive performance.

12. Russell set a career high with 39 points against the Brooklyn Nets. He broke Nick Van Exel's rookie record for three-pointers in a single game with eight.

13. Russell led all rookies in steals per game during the 2015-16 season. This showcased his defensive prowess early in his career.

14. On December 4, 2015, Russell recorded his first career double-double. He achieved this with 16 points and 10 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks.

15. In the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge, Russell played for Team USA. He recorded 22 points and seven assists in a win over Team World.

Career Transitions and Achievements

D'Angelo's career has seen several transitions, each contributing to his growth as a player and leader.

16. In July 2017, Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. This move marked a significant change in his career trajectory.

17. In 2019, Russell earned his first NBA All-Star selection while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. This achievement was a testament to his hard work and dedication.

18. During the 2019 off-season, Russell joined the Golden State Warriors via a sign-and-trade deal. However, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2020 trade deadline.

19. In 2023, Russell was traded back to the Los Angeles Lakers. This reunited him with his former team, bringing his career full circle.

20. Russell's leadership skills have significantly improved since his arrival in Brooklyn. His ability to command the Nets' system and make crucial plays has earned him high praise from coaches and teammates.

21. Russell is known for his clutch performances. He has taken 47 clutch-time shots this season, hitting at a 44.7% clip.

22. Russell's court vision has been a key factor in his success. He has consistently improved his assists over the years, showcasing his ability to read the game and set up teammates for easy baskets.

23. Russell's scoring ability sets him apart from other point guards. He has shown brilliant offensive flexibility, especially in recent seasons.

24. One of Russell's favorite moments of the season was when he scored the Nets' final 12 points on his 23rd birthday. This performance was both surprising and memorable for him and his brother Antonio.

Media Perception and Mental Stamina

Throughout his career, D'Angelo has faced media scrutiny and challenges, but his mental toughness has helped him navigate these obstacles.

25. Russell's Twitter profile is notable for its minimal engagement. He rarely tweets actual words, preferring to retweet highlights from his teammates or slightly vague sponsored partnerships.

26. Russell has faced significant media scrutiny throughout his career. Despite this, he has maintained a level head and focused on his game.

27. Russell's mental stamina has been developed from a young age. He has faced numerous challenges, including being benched in high school and dealing with constant criticism in the media.

28. Russell's arrival in Brooklyn marked a new beginning for the team. He led the Nets to several signature victories, including a one-point overtime win against the Raptors and a home win against the Lakers.

29. Russell's leadership qualities have been praised by his coaches and teammates. He is vocal on the court, often directing his teammates and making strategic decisions to win games.

30. Jared Dudley has appreciated Russell's maturity as a team leader. Dudley noted that Russell's confidence grew significantly after the team's big wins following a losing streak.

Signature Performances and Advanced Stats

D'Angelo's career is highlighted by several signature performances and impressive statistics that showcase his talent and growth.

31. Russell has taken a significant number of clutch-time shots this season. He hits at a high percentage, making him one of the top closers in the league.

32. According to ESPN's advanced stats, Russell has consistently shown impressive numbers. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 23.6 points and 7.7 assists per game since January 1.

33. Russell stands at 6'3" and weighs 193 lbs. His height and weight make him an ideal point guard, capable of both scoring and distributing the ball effectively.

34. During his college career, Russell set several records. He recorded a career-high 14 rebounds against Maryland and a career-high 33 points against Northwestern.

35. Russell achieved a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists against Rutgers. This made him the first Ohio State freshman to do so.

36. In the NCAA Tournament, Russell scored 28 points in an overtime win over VCU. However, his team lost to Arizona in the next round.

37. Russell was part of a talented 2015 NBA draft class. This class included other notable players like Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis.

38. During his rookie season with the Lakers, Russell played alongside Kobe Bryant. He has praised Bryant as an incredible player and better person, stating that he learned a lot from him.

39. In March 2016, Russell was involved in a controversy when a video of him discussing teammate Nick Young's infidelity was leaked. This incident led to significant media scrutiny and criticism.

40. Over time, Russell has learned to navigate the media landscape. He now uses his Twitter profile to subtly comment on the fake news era and his own career journey.

Brooklyn Nets and Leadership Growth

D'Angelo's time with the Brooklyn Nets marked a period of significant growth in his leadership and on-court performance.

41. Russell has thrived in the Nets' system, which relies heavily on high screens. He has shown brilliant offensive flexibility, making him a versatile threat on the court.

42. In Brooklyn, Russell has made several clutch performances. He scored 40 points and hit a game-winner in Orlando, and he outlasted the Cavaliers in a triple-overtime marathon with 36 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.

43. One of Russell's signature victories came against the Raptors in early December. He scored 29 points in a one-point overtime win.

44. Ten days after the Raptors game, Russell exacted vengeance on his former team. He scored 22 points and dished out 13 assists in a home win over the Lakers.

45. In January, Russell led the Nets to a win over the Celtics with 34 points. However, nothing could top what he did in Orlando, where he brought the Nets back from a 21-point hole.

46. Russell's most impressive performance came in Sacramento. He scored an absurd 44 points, including 27 points in the fourth quarter. This performance helped the Nets secure a 28-point comeback.

47. Russell's leadership has grown significantly since his arrival in Brooklyn. His ability to command the team and make crucial plays has earned him high praise from coaches and teammates.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond the court, D'Angelo Russell is known for his commitment to his personal life and community involvement.

48. Russell's mental toughness has been a key factor in his success. He has faced numerous challenges throughout his career but has always maintained a level head and focused on his game.

49. Russell has been praised for his ability to build strong team dynamics. He has a close-knit circle of friends and teammates who support him both on and off the court.

50. Russell is involved in various community initiatives. He often engages with local youth programs, using his platform to inspire and mentor young basketball players.

D'Angelo Russell: A Journey of Resilience and Skill

D'Angelo Russell's path from a young boy in Louisville to an NBA star is nothing short of inspiring. His nickname "Rainbow", given for his high-arcing shot, hints at his unique style and early promise. From Central High School to Montverde Academy, then shining at Ohio State, Russell's talent was evident. Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, he quickly made his mark, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Despite facing challenges, including a controversial trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Russell's resilience shone through. His first All-Star selection in 2019 and subsequent performances with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves showcased his growth. Now back with the Lakers, Russell's journey is a testament to hard work, leadership, and mental toughness. His story continues to inspire, proving that dedication and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.