Russell Westbrook wins NBA Cares Community Assist Award

Hidden beneath the loud and gruff exterior, there is a caring and loving soul within Russell Westbrook.

The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard has won the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, the team announced Tuesday. The award recognizes the NBA player who best represents the NBA's charitable efforts to give back to the community.

Through his personal Why Not? Foundation charity, Westbrook helped outfit three public schools in Oklahoma City with reading centers, according to Darnell Mayberry of NewsOK.

Westbrook also donated the new car he won after he was named All-Star Game MVP.

As part of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, the NBA and award sponsor Kaiser Permanente will donate $25,000 to the Why Not? Foundation.

Past winners include Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, and Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol.