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Time to dispel the myths and appreciate Russell Westbrook for who he is

By Matthew Hallett

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0, right) dunks the basketball past Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0, right) dunks the basketball past Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Do we now question Wilt Chamberlain’s Legacy?

Let’s not forget the fact that Westbrook also is jumping over these big bodies to collect offensive rebounds. However, to pick apart Elliott’s opinion even more, why not question if Wilt Chamberlain should be known as the greatest rebounding player of all time. He played when the average height of a center was 6-foot-10. Now, it is over 6-foot 11.

Surely his 22.89 rebounds per game would be less now, he would be playing against bigger players. No, Chamberlain was a one of a kind physical specimen on the basketball court and in my opinion, to this day, we have not seen his equal for stamina, athleticism and strength on an NBA court.

Must Read: Thunder player grades for first half of season

The justifications will come thick and fast, it was a different era, the pace was quicker, there were more rebounds to get. Chamberlain was simply good enough to get the rebounds on offer This season, Westbrook is good enough to get ten a game, the only guard to be anywhere near that number. If it were easier today, more players would be doing it, wouldn’t they?

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