The OKC Thunder are gathering plenty of NBA headlines this season. The ongoing debate on Russell Westbrook being a good teammate has a new argument.
The OKC Thunder are becoming more of a brotherhood with each passing game this season. You can see the hi-fives, dab’s, and cheers when a timely three or monster dunk is made.
This team is enjoying the ride this season. Sure, it’s been an up-and-down quest. This is what builds the character and brotherhood that NBA teams benefit from.
Recently, that closeness of the OKC Thunder became highlighted when Paul George discussed Russell Westbrook’s comments about George and the NBA All-Star game. Westbrook, calling the snub outrageous, is a true teammate.
George, seeing this from his teammate, is letting the NBA know that his upcoming free agency decision will be much easier this summer.
From #TheJump: Paul George told me just how much it meant to him to see Russ standing up for him, re: All-Star. And reveals it might just have an impact on his thinking, re: free agency. https://t.co/v3qRaDyy4N
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 25, 2018
This will ultimately spark this ongoing debate about Westbrook being a good or bad teammate. Let’s examine this further – Westbrook will have his teammates back when it comes to media relations.
If you recall, he defended Andre Roberson’s free throw shooting on and off the court. He celebrates when Roberson knocks down a free throw in tough road games. He tells the media how hard Roberson works on offense and defense.
On the other side of this debate is triple double comments. Some view the tripe doubles as a huge accomplishment and ultimately, the key to the Thunder’s success. Other’s call it stat padding and claim Westbrook is selfish and only focused on himself. Although it’s hard to call someone selfish who averages around 10 assists a night.
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Westbrook is a dynamic player, a cold-blooded killer even. As a result, when he’s feeling it, he’s going to attack. That’s what you want in your star athlete. You want a player who says “Y’all get on my back, we’re winning this game.”
Ultimately, Westbrook’s leadership will remain unquestionable by those who support him. His status as a teammate shouldn’t be a question either.
It’s most likely, this debate starts with the departure of Kevin Durant. What we all have to remember is this, we will never know the real reason why Durant left Oklahoma City almost two season’s ago.
Whether it’s Westbrook, Billy Donovan, or something else shouldn’t matter. The fact of the matter is Durant is no longer a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder and that shouldn’t have any effect on Westbrook’s status as a teammate.
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It’s because of George’s comments that Westbrook is a good teammate. It’s because of Carmelo Anthony’s willingness to accept a new role that Westbrook is a good teammate. As a result, the OKC Thunder are more of a brotherhood now, than 2-years ago.