Russell Westbrook’s Runner-Up Award: A tribute
By Chris Hughes
The Russell Westbrook Runner-Up Award hopes to celebrate the little guy – the Robin to Russ’ Batman.
This week the Oklahoma City Thunder crashed out of the playoffs, losing their playoff series 4-1 to the Houston Rockets.
It means that the Thunder’s season is over, and Oklahoma City basketball won’t be on show now for several months. Logic means that this will be the last Russell Westbrook’s Runner-Up Award of the season.
With the Thunder losing twice in the past week it therefore seems more appropriate to end the season with the tribute to the supporting cast – to all the players who have supported Russell Westbrook throughout a historic season.
Each and every player on the Thunder roster have played for the shirt they’ve been wearing, no matter how little minutes they may have played.
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There have been a host of new players in a much-changed Thunder roster this season, but several players have grown and matured over that time.
Victor Oladipo has become a fitting partner-in-crime to Westbrook on the back-court, finishing with a season average just under 16 points. The former Orlando Magic man clearly has the backing of the Oklahoma City board, as they prepare to pay him a bumper wage to keep him on board.
Despite an end-of-season slump you can’t ignore Steven Adams‘ growth over the past year too, as he finished with career-high stats in rebounding, points and assists. Plus, he’s still only 23.
Another man who has faced criticism this season is someone who may be leaving the franchise over the summer – Andre Roberson. Being an NBA player without a good free-throw is bound to get you critics, but the man’s work on defense could well earn him a spot in the All-NBA Defensive first team. What’s more you can’t ignore how the 25-year-old has made the transition from guard to forward with little-to-no effort, especially as it’s into the position formerly occupied by Kevin Durant.
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Taj Gibson, a late arrival to the starting five, has instantly hit the ground running and added a new dynamic to the Thunder defense. His long-range effort to beat the buzzer only reaffirmed himself as a fan favorite, and now virtually everyone is calling for him to be re-signed this offseason.
But a lot of winners of the Russell Westbrook Runner-Up Award this season have come off the bench, meaning the Thunder’s subs cannot be ignored.
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Enes Kanter’s defensive effort might be a cause for debate, but his ability to change the game with his post play have made his an impressive sixth man for Oklahoma City once again.
Meanwhile Domantas Sabonis – one of three rookies on the side – has started life in the NBA solidly with room to grow. Jerami Grant, who won the award for his efforts in the comeback against Orlando, could very well push for a starting spot next season if Andre leaves.
The roster might not be perfect but the chemistry and bond the team have shown over the course of this season as been nothing short of magnificent. Thunder basketball may be gone for another season, but each and every fan will be backing them going into the next.
For those of you who have read, commented on and shared my work over the past seven months I would like to thank you. This is my final piece for Thunderous Intentions and I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey.