NBA: The Lead Role
Oklahoma City is now Russell Westbrook’s town, and the Thunder is his team.
It is his job to control, perfect, and run the show. There is no more Kevin Durant, as much as the two accomplished together, it is all in the rearview mirror now, and Westbrook knows, and accepts that.
Now, most organizations would fold tent and say “we’ll see you next year,” before the season even started; similarly to the 2011 Cavaliers after Lebron James departed, but there is no way that Westbrook will let anyone within the Thunder organization give up.
He is the driving engine behind the Thunder, who went 55-27 last season, and he will continue to push this team to their absolute limit until he is no longer capable.
Westbrook repeated all summer long, since July 4 when Durant announced his decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors, that he does not care, does not think about, and does not want to talk about Durant leaving anymore.
The only thing on Westbrook’s mind is competing to the best of his ability, which I might add; is extremely high. Even through all of the criticism, which seemed to reach it’s maximum height in 2012 when the Thunder lost 4-1 to the Heat in the Finals, Westbrook has not changed.
Yes, it is true that his turnovers have decreased, while his assists have shot up, but it is not because Westbrook was giving into the media’s constant pressure, it is because he learned, matured, and in turn; blossomed into a great point guard.
He is no longer a dribble-with-his-head-down, locked on the basket, shoot-first, shoot-second, type of player. Westbrook is now one of the most complete guards in the last decade, averaging 31.1 points, 11.0 assists, and 10.9 rebounds so far this season, including a 7-game triple-double streak, in which Oklahoma City went 6-1.
As shown in the better part of the last four seasons, where he averaged 24.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game, Westbrook has poured his heart, soul, and everything imaginable onto the court in every single game whether it be regular season or playoffs.
I, like most NBA followers, do not expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be a better team or improve on their 55-win season from a year ago, but I have come to appreciate the fierce, fashion-icon, untamable, wild, and MVP-caliber person and player that is Russell Westbrook.
So instead of worrying if he is saddened by losing his partner-in-crime, let’s just relish in the fact that we get to watch one of the greatest athletes of our generation on the big stage, as the lead role for the first time.
Photo Credit: Sporting News.
