Thunderous Intentions
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Westbrook and Oladipo are a match made in basketball heaven

By Casimir Cuffy

Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts and celebrates after he shoots a three from midcourt to force the game to go into overtime against the Orlando Magic during the last seconds of the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts and celebrates after he shoots a three from midcourt to force the game to go into overtime against the Orlando Magic during the last seconds of the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The first Thunder game is going to be strange this season. Luckily, OKC fans still have a combo to look forward to watching.

During his eights seasons in the NBA, Russell Westbrook has never had much of a running mate at the two-guard to pair with. The closest back-court mate he has had that could match his explosiveness and athleticism was probably Nate Robinson, and that is very telling. Usually Russell Westbrook is paired with a two-guard who is defensively minded. James Harden rarely started next to him during his time in OKC, and even he couldn’t measure up to the abilities of Westbrook.

With the addition of Victor Oladipo, we could easily see Westbrook’s game approach new heights. The combo catapults them into the conversation of one of the best back-courts in the league. Oladipo has just as much jumping ability than Westbrook and just as much explosiveness. To get a better view on how this combination can be one of the best, let’s break it down by offensive and defensive impact.

Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense

Oladipo is coming from a confusing role in Orlando where there was no true superstar to carry the offensive load. The former 2nd overall pick in 2013 has a career average of 15.9 points per game and 4.0 assists per game over his three years in the league. Oladipo doesn’t have the best shot in the world, but his jumper is a clear upgrade over Westbrook’s last two shooting guards in Thabo Sefolosha and Andre Roberson. He shot 33% from long range, which is still better than his new partner in crime, Russell Westbrook.

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Shooting is not how this new back-court will get their name; their ability to slash and attack the basket off the dribble will. Both of these guards have excelled at getting to the rim and, more importantly, finishing throughout their careers. You could even label both Westbrook and Oladipo “high flyers” because of their exotic dunks and leaping ability. When teams are coming to play the Thunder, they will prepare for two guards that can get to the rim at any time.

Defense

This is where this athletic duo will make the most noise. Both Westbrook and Oladipo are above average defenders and excel at wreaking havoc on the defensive end and causing turnovers. Oladipo has averaged 1.6 steals per game over his career and Westbrook is a tad above that with 1.7 steals per game. Their versatility also comes in to play here with both guards being able to guard point guards, shooting guards AND small forwards for stretches in a game.

Feb 3, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) blocks a shot attempt by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) blocks a shot attempt by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Oladipo is also a pretty decent shot blocker for a 6-4 guard. He has averaged 0.5 blocks per game over his career, but most notably 0.8 blocks per game this past season. That’s huge for a guard to almost get a block a game. That is a testament to his absurd athleticism.

Transition buckets have always been what the Thunder hang their hats on and Victor Oladipo is like a Westbrook clone when it comes to that aspect of the game. It will be exciting to watch these two running down the court after a steal and getting the crowd hyped after an eccentric dunk.

Don’t get me wrong here, the gap at small forward could have a huge effect on how the offense is ran and hopefully Sam Presti can bring in another piece on the wing to balance out the lack of shooting in the back-court. However, bringing in a guy with the skills of Victor Oladipo will take an immense amount of pressure off of Russell Westbrook. It’ll be a joy to watch these two build their chemistry throughout the year.

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