More questions than answers from OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti -5 takeaways

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Various questions were asked centering around Russell Westbrook including his shooting issues, his off court conduct, and his leadership.

Westbrook is Presti’s major success story as a General Manager selecting him with the fourth pick when many didn’t place Russ that high in their draft boards. In hindsight, it was a brilliant pick, given Westbrook became everything Presti expected and more. It also points to the fact, you’re not going to ever hear Presti speak poorly of Westbrook.

Passing the alpha torch:

Most didn’t expect Russ would be willing to not be “the guy” but he easily shifted into making Paul George the primary option. If George doesn’t get injured or has more than one standout performance in the playoffs to allow the Thunder to get into the second round I wonder if this would be getting as much attention.

The fact remains, every single player on this team and 98 percent of his former teammates (Reggie Jackson being the exception)  all speak to what a great leader Westbrook is. In fact, more than any other superstar Westbrook is the one who gets credit for helping a player’s growth or teaching them what it took to improve.

Shooting woes:

Presti conceded Westbrook had an off shooting year but pointed to his growth over the past five seasons specifically. He also expects Westbrook to address the shooting issues this offseason. Although we can’t predict next season there will those who expect this was just the beginning of Westbrook’s regression.

I fall on the opposite side of this argument simply based on the fact it’s Westbrook. No player brings the same effort he does to the court on a nightly basis and he, more than any player of his generation takes criticism to heart and uses it to motivate his offseason growth. That said, we’re talking about a career 30.8 percent perimeter shooter.

For Presti to point to Russ’ best 3-point shooting season ever as the marker for next season would be a stretch. The more relevant factor here isn’t Westbrook’s perimeter shooting it’s rediscovering his effectiveness from the midrange and regaining his free throw efficiency.

Offcourt conduct:

In terms of the offcourt conduct question. Again, Presti took the affirmative citing Russell’s philanthropic efforts and leadership. He noted no one is perfect and said there were strides made to address the issue. I’m presuming the reporter who asked this question was referencing the Berry Tramel feud. Late in the season, Westbrook broke the cone of silence, which at the time I think pointed to the fact it became an issue the player and organization discussed internally.

Would a new voice make a difference?

Additionally, while Westbrook may have a strong relationship with Donovan it stands to reason a different head coach could help expedite offensive improvements. Much like the Bucks surround Giannis Antekounmpo with shooters the Thunder needs to consider the personnel they surround Westbrook with. Even one additional high efficiency 3-point shooter would make a difference because of how much floor space it would open.

Lastly, when Presti cited three OKC Thunder players who shoot above league average from deep, I wish someone had pointed out to Presti that’s only relevant if those players are taking multiple shots every game not just Paul George.