Russell Westbrook Demonstrates MVP Leadership On and Off the Court
Russell Westbrook is an enigma on and off the court, but for his teammates his leadership is not in question.
To that end, if you struggle to understand Russell Westbrook in terms of his leadership it’s time to take notice.
And, for those who want to understand the psyche of a person who shows true leadership, please take the time to watch the video below of Russell Westbrook. My esteemed editor, Tony Heim, touched on this in his post after All-Star Saturday.
Source: Video Archive | Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex Abrines and Domantas Speak Post Rising Stars Game
Russell Westbrook attended the Rising Stars game where both Alex Abrines and Domantas Sabonis were playing.
Not only did Westbrook attend, he unleashed ‘DOMASSS‘ every time Sabonis touched the ball. This tells me a lot about the man.
Westbrook did not have to attend the game. He was in New Orleans as a genuine All-Star. Surely Westbrook could have been forgiven for taking some time away from basketball, something that does not happen in an 82 game season very often.
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He did not do this however, Westbrook attended the game where two young Thunder players were selected to play with the best first and second year players in the league. This made a special experience even more special for his young teammates.
This is what a leader does, he does what is needed for the team. He does what helps a team. I am looking at this in the cold hard light of day. Westbrook would have gone there to cheer on his teammates, thinking nothing else of it. Now, what impact do you think this has on a young teammate? Well, judging by the video, quite a large one.
In contrast, do you remember when Kobe Bryant did not even meet his new teammates as they arrived in Los Angeles? Flash forward, and recall how the Lakers season went. It may seem simplistic, but welcoming new players into an organization, is ideally a natural leadership instinct.
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Russell Westbrook leads via support as well as action:
Who does Victor Oladipo call at night to sing him to sleep if required? Russell Westbrook of course. Showing up to support your rookies at an event – what effect does this have on the psyche of these two young players? It means that they will play even harder for their team leader. They will grow into better players because they know that their superstar cares about them. Moreover, it leads to building chemistry. Although an intangible, chemistry is so important on and off the basketball court.
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As an example, the Indiana Pacers are a supremely talented team. They have a star in Paul George, Myles Turner is emerging, Jeff Teague was an All-Star. Add in Thaddeus Young, Al Jefferson and the rest of the team and you have a talented team. Yet, they have a worse record than the Thunder and a team leader complaining about chemistry issues.
They have a more balanced team than the Thunder, most teams in the NBA do. What the Thunder have is a leader in Russell Westbrook and I believe that if they can keep this young team together for a couple of years, there is no reason that they will not contend.
Another example of leadership is how Westbrook showed faith in the organization over the summer and signed a contract extension. That sent a clear message to every Thunder player. I am not leaving, and I am a winner. Get on board or find somewhere else to be.
Russell Westbrook leads by example and is imposing his will on the entire organization. Not in a demanding, pouting way like some superstars. Rather, by showing that he is willing to do the little things that make a team better. And that tangible quality is the stuff great leaders are made of.
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