Where does Russell Westbrook go from here?
By Joshua Lea
This off-season has the OKC Thunder riddled with questions, ranging from Kevin Durant‘s free agency to Serge Ibaka‘s ever adjusting role. One question that might be over-looked is where does Russell Westbrook go from here?
Russell Westbrook is coming off of a superb 2016 season for the OKC Thunder. The Long Beach California native continues to impress coaches and opposing teams around the NBA as one of the most electrifying point guards in the modern era. Having his role changed during the 2015 season due to Kevin Durant‘s injury, Russell Westbrook was placed with the task of leading this team while Durant recovered from the Jones fracture that sidelined him.
Fast forward to this season, Westbrook was dazzling and nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he average a double-double with 23 points and 10 assists, he recorded 18 triple-doubles. furthermore, the OKC Thunder are undefeated when Westbrook records a triple-double.
Those stats alone tell the tale of Westbrook’s ever growing chemistry with his teammates and his Kobe Bryant like aggression when it comes to the game and how he plays it. Fans coined the phrase “Let Westbrook be Westbrook” which gives us an insight to how he plays. Sometimes, the plays come up short causing us to question his defense or shot selection. Other times, we see the Russ we saw in Game One of the Western Conference Finals, where Westbrook took over the third quarter in Golden State, giving the Warriors their first home loss in the 2016 playoffs.
However, in the midst of all his success the question must be asked: Where does Westbrook go from here? This is not a question about his free agency at the end of next season. This is a question about his limitations, where does a guy who was three rebounds away from averaging a triple-double go from here? Certainly the play of Steven Adams and Enes Kanter helped propel Westbrook into the pick-and-roll genius that he is; however, can he lead this team if Durant leaves?
Traveling back to the 2014-2015 NBA season, Westbrook had limited options prior to the arrival of Kanter. Steven Adams showed signs of being a go-to in the post, but it was nothing compared to the improvement he made this season. Anthony Morrow gave excellent minutes for the Thunder during the 2015 season; but, has since drifted back in the rotation due to a change of coaching style. Andre Roberson wasn’t making shots consistently; in fact, prior to the outburst he had during this past post season, Roberson’s career high in points was merely 12.
I’ve said this before, probably over 1000 time: Billy Donovan is the type of coach that Westbrook needs for success. Donovan is a systematic guy; numbers and film are both included. Westbrook perfecting the pick-and-roll attack is vital to the success of OKC with or without Durant.
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By this point, you’ll most likely be bringing up the ill-advised three-point shots. Believe me when I tell you, I hate seeing that many three-pointers in a game from a team who isn’t as consistent in making them as they should be (not just Westbrook). Westbrook has to continue to make his teammates better.
Where Westbrook must go is the Michael Jordan level of trusting teammates. When he kicks in the corner of Roberson, he has to trust Roberson to make the shot. Now, Roberson can’t go 2-10 in a game seven; however, Westbrook must continue to feed Ibaka on the wing and Adams in the paint. Westbrook trusting and involving teammates is the key to elevate and maintain the level of success he needs to win a championship, especially if Durant does leave.
Russell Westbrook is a great point guard, I mean Isiah Thomas (Pistons) great. However, like Chris Paul, the one thing that separates Westbrook from being an all-time great is a championship. On paper, Westbrook is closer than Paul to attaining a ring.
A great point guard makes his teammates better. In 2008 Rajon Rondo made Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen champions. Sure, those guys made shots and were considered the Big Three. But Rondo was the glue that held the team together by running the floor as a general and giving the ball to his teammates in their collective spots.
Next: OKC Offseason: Alex Abrines
Westbrook has to know his teammates strengths and weaknesses. He has to know where Roberson is most likely to hit the shot and get the ball to him that in that spot. In the 2016 season, there was noticeable chemistry between Westbrook and his teammates. Now, Westbrook must continue to capitalize on that chemistry and continue to make Roberson, Adams, and Ibaka better.