Internet Reacts to News That Russell Westbrook Will Wear a Mask

It’s happening, guys. Russell Westbrook is finally bridging the gap between human being and full-blown comic book character.

If you’ve paid even passive attention to the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard’s career over the past six-plus years, you know it was only a matter of time until Westbrook shed his humanity and embraced life as a hand-drawn vigilante. He’s played sidekick and saved the day with his freakish abilities. He has the requisite off-the-job nerd attire, and now, Westbrook is finally donning on-the-job superhero gear. 

After taking an accidental Bane-knee to the face from teammate Andre Roberson at the end of Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook was diagnosed with a fractured zygomatic arch. He’s since had surgery on the bone and is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, per ESPN.com. 

The caveat, however, is Westbrook will likely wear a mask in his return. A mask.

Obviously, everyone who is a fan of basketball or the idea of Westbrook flying around with a mask (so, a fan of basketball) is losing it over this news. Some have better suggestions for Westbrook than a clear mask.

Here are some of the best out there:

I have a couple of suggestions:

You do you, Russ.

If you want to come back wearing the Hound’s dog head helmet, I support this fully. But if the league forces your hand with the clear one, I can’t fault you for obeying.

The NBA just doesn’t appreciate accessorizing as much as the rest of us.

Dan is on Twitter, bending steel into the form of an ox head for Russell.