OKC Thunder Media Day: Russell Westbrook projects to be on track for season opener
By Rylan Stiles
With OKC Thunder players on hand for Media Day the number one question on the assembled masses and fan minds is how is Russell Westbrook’s right knee.
It was expected on Media Day the assembled masses would be most interested in Russell Westbrook’s right knee. More specifically, how long the point guard would need to recover. The point guard underwent the arthroscopic procedure on September 12. Initial projections offered a four week recovery window with October 10 slated for reevaluation.
Related: Westbrook undergoes right knee scope
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When General Manager Sam Presti was queried on the knee Thursday he indicated it was a minor procedure. Yet, surgery is still surgery. The scope was undertaken to address stiffness and reduce swelling.
Like the franchise this is Westbrook’s 11th media day and the pundits wasted precious time cutting to the chase.
How is the knee and do you have an anticipated return date?
When asked about his Knee, Russell Westbrook joked and answered the question with a question: “What did you read?” the reporter answered “The press release…four weeks.” Russell Westbrook said that is correct and he is on track for that.
When asked if becoming a father will change the way he plays the game, the OKC Thunder star paused, stammered for a second, then said it will.
Russell Westbrook asked if fatherhood impacts at all the way he plays: “I think it does... You’ll see why it does.”
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) September 24, 2018
Russell Westbrook was also asked about Carmelo Anthony, and the star point guard holds no ill will over the failed OK3.
Russell Westbrook says he and Carmelo Anthony are “great friends” and last season doesn’t impact that. Says he expects big things in Houston.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) September 24, 2018
| Season | Age | G | GS | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 27 | 80 | 80 | 34.4 | 18.1 | .454 | 4.3 | .296 | 6.9 | 13.8 | .503 | .489 | .812 | 1.8 | 6.0 | 7.8 | 10.4 | 2.0 | 23.5 |
| 2016-17 | 28 | 81 | 81 | 34.6 | 24.0 | .425 | 7.2 | .343 | 7.7 | 16.8 | .459 | .476 | .845 | 1.7 | 9.0 | 10.7 | 10.4 | 1.6 | 31.6 |
| 2017-18 | 29 | 80 | 80 | 36.4 | 21.1 | .449 | 4.1 | .298 | 8.3 | 17.0 | .485 | .477 | .737 | 1.9 | 8.2 | 10.1 | 10.3 | 1.8 | 25.4 |
| Career | 748 | 731 | 34.4 | 18.4 | .435 | 3.5 | .311 | 6.9 | 15.0 | .464 | .464 | .814 | 1.7 | 4.9 | 6.6 | 8.2 | 1.7 | 23.0 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/23/2018.
Looking back at his past three seasons Westbrook has an MVP from two seasons ago and back to back years of triple-double averages. In spite of his overwhelming stats, the Brodie enters 2018-19 with one goal in mind – a deep playoff run.
Next. Russell Westbrook 2018-19 season preview: time for leadership. dark
Media Day is a fun day and Thunderous Intentions has you covered.