How Melbourne United plans to stop Russell Westbrook
As Thunderous Intentions’ resident Australian, I have been keeping a keen eye on the press in Melbourne. There is a palpable level of excitement here about the upcoming matchup on October 8 with our very own OKC Thunder.
Further to my previous article, Caspar Ware is still in contract negotiations with Melbourne United and is not guaranteed to play against the OKC Thunder. This does not worry the United team however, as they have their own secret weapon in the form or Kyle Adnam.
Most OKC Thunder fans probably have not heard of Adnam. He is not a household name in the States. Unless you follow the Australian NBL, he is not much more than a footnote in a box score.
My advice to anyone who plays against him is to take notice of the man. This includes our very own Russell Westbrook. Yes, Westbrook is the MVP of the toughest league in the world. However, ask any player in the NBA and they know when they play against an Aussie, they are in for a game.
It will be no exception when United take the court in early October. Adnam is quite simply a competitor. He is the type of player that once a challenge has been set, he will not back down from it.
Adnam is aware of the challenges he faces when playing against the athleticism of Westbrook. He has never defended such a player. The problem for Westbrook is that Adnan is going to come right back at him, saying things like “He has to defend me too” and “it’s a chance for me to be me.”
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In a recent article written by the talented NBL journalist Liam Santamaria, Adnam opened up about his style of play. The challenge of an uncomfortable situation actually excites Adnam. But, just be aware, it is not just talk.
The reason for the self belief
In the offseason last year Adnam took on Patty Mills. He held his own against the best shooter Australia has ever produced. He then took on Lonzo Ball in August of that same year, scoring nine points and giving out ten assists.
Not only does Adnam have the Australian grit and determination, he also has motivation. Adnam was playing in a practice scrimmage in his rookie season and backed off the previous years NBL MVP. His coach, Joey Wright, called Adnam “weak as s***.”
Since then, Adnan has played with a measure of respect for his opposition but has taken on board the Westbrook mantra “Why Not”. The bigger the name of the opponent for Adnam, the more he wants to prove himself.
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This is not arrogance; it is simply a determination to be the best version of himself. When he takes on someone who is a bigger name, Adnam wants to learn something from them, but he also wants to show them that he has game. He wants to make plays and force them to think about what he is going to do.
Make no illusion, Adnanm does not think he is as good as the NBA MVP. There are only a few players in the game who come close. He respects what Westbrook has done but will not be intimidated.
Westbrook is, without a doubt, the biggest name in Adnam’s career. For anyone who has seen this 23-year old from Australia play, you know he will give it his all.
I for one cannot wait to see what Adnam will do against the best in the world. Whatever happens, Westbrook will know he has been in a game.