The Recruiter:
As ideal as Russell Westbrook is as a cutter, it’s not really something he can work on in the offseason. The ability, again, much like on defense, is already there. It just requires the doing. Something he can work on during the summer break, though, is his three-point shooting. This is obvious, and is something that Russ, himself is apparently aware of.
Sam Presti says he thinks Russell Westbrook is focused on becoming a better 3-point shooter.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) May 2, 2018
There was wide enthusiasm this year over Russ scaling back his three-point attempts as this season went on. But the fact is, if Russ could raise his percentage even back to the 34.3 percent that he shot last year, the Thunder offense would benefit tremendously. James Harden only shot 34.7 percent that year, and no person anywhere has ever said that James Harden should shoot fewer threes.
Russ did it for an entire season, and he can do it again.
All that being said, sharing, cutting, and shooting are things that Russ can get better at, but they are things that can only improve the team so much. By far the biggest issue on the Thunder’s plate this offseason, and the most important assignment that Russ has, is very simple: recruit Paul George.
Get PG to stay. Always be near him. Stalk him if you have to. Every time he needs a tissue, be holding the box. Every time he gets out of the shower, hand him a towel. Be the PB to his J, the milk to his cereal, and the salt to his pepper. Or give him space. Or do both, or neither. I don’t know, Russ, just woo the man. Woo him like the franchise depends on it, because it might.
(All stats per NBA.com)