How OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook is navigating this season and his role change is on the top of many pundits’ minds.
The OKC Thunder have proven they are capable of outperforming opponents without Russell Westbrook, but we all know the superstar offers intangibles which no other player can replicate.
Despite their 0-4 start, the OKC Thunder have proven themselves to be a solid team regardless of missing Russell Westbrook for a large chunk of the season.
This has been one of the major issues looming over the past few seasons since Kevin Durant‘s departure, but it seems the Thunder have finally found a cure to their struggles without Russ on the floor. A few writers have noticed this and given their take.
The Thunder have subtly tried to rework themselves this season behind a simple idea: Make Russell Westbrook is a little less important: https://t.co/KIHQHlSFKu
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) November 21, 2018
Royce Young of ESPN offered the idea that OKC has been making Westbrook’s role “a little less important” to the overall success of the team. After the four game adjustment period, this seems to be an effective strategy for this talented Thunder squad.
The success around Westbrook (excluding Paul George) has relied heavily on young and new players for OKC, such as Hamidou Diallo, Dennis Schröder, and Nerlens Noel. Each of these players has offered pieces to the team that was not present in recent seasons.
TI writer, Jordan Buckamneer also gave his input in his article regarding Westbrook’s new side.
"Westbrook seems to be aware his team doesn’t need him to be Superman every night anymore. George looks comfortable in an established role and Schroder doesn’t seem to be having an issue adjusting to his new team."
In Westbrook’s absence at times throughout the year, Dennis Schröder has stepped up BIG, showing glimpses of Russ himself (as House of Highlights shows above).
This includes the good and the bad aspects of his game. While Dennis can be an explosive point scorer who distributes the ball at a fast pace, he still has moments that make us question his legitimacy down the stretch.
For example, his shot selection in the clutch situations. Overall, the addition of Schröder has been a definite plus for a Thunder team searching for a solid secondary scorer off the bench.
Tailor Finney expanded upon this idea earlier this month in her piece on how OKC coped without Westbrook
"The addition of Dennis Schroder to the roster was a critical decision in hindsight, for this reason exactly. He was in a rather pressurized situation with the demand of a win over Cleveland without Westbrook. He handled it well with 28 points and 7 rebounds"
Russell Westbrook has still not hit the showers, but you have to admire why not. pic.twitter.com/5T9uGTfndr
— Clay Horning (@clayhorning) November 25, 2018
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Despite the addition of vital pieces to OKC’s roster, all basketball fans know that there is no replacing Russell Westbrook. He offers skills and mindsets that no other player throughout the NBA is able to replicate.
Russ continues to improve himself to make the players around him better, thus giving players such as Schröder the opportunities they are presented with.
To that end, TI writer Lawrence George served up a couple of areas he noticed weeks ago that Westbrook had changed which were already helping and would pay major long term dividends. Click the link below to peruse that article in its entirety.
Bottom line, Thunder Nation, let’s rejoice in Russell Westbrook and the leadership qualities and assets he brings to the team. Never idle, it’s clear his goal is to win, and what’s not to love about that?