Russell Westbrook: a guy I have constantly joked about in regard to ball-hog tactics and selfish play (sound like a young Kobe?) has slowly grown on me. The former UCLA guard never struck me as the type to carry a team one day. But now the time has come. Better yet, Russell Westbrook's time has come.
Currently, the league's reigning MVP Kevin Durant has been sidelined for most of the NBA regular season. Meanwhile, Westbrook has gladly taken over the reins for Durant and stepped up in a major way for his team. In the past, Westbrook was known for his bad decision-making on the court. Some said Westbrook didn't pass enough. Others said Westbrook shot the ball in traffic too much.
Russell's on-the-court performances have refuted these claims. Westbrook's current numbers are: 27.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
Here's what the Washington Post had to say about Russell Westbrook's MVP-esque performances:
I believe last month's NBA All Star Game was the landscape Westbrook needed. He walked away with the All Star MVP trophy posting 41 points (one point shy of the NBA All Star Game Record for Points). Russell also walked away with an attitude of becoming a better leader.
Think about it. If this guy can lead a team of superstars (it's an All Star team), what's stopping him from leading a team of decent role players?
The simple answer is Russell Westbrook. This same focus can apply to our lives: we are the ONLY people holding ourselves back from reaching our full potential.
Russ has dug deep and found his untapped potential. Now, I'm not going to say Westbrook will abandon his ball-hogging ways and immature decisions forever; but I feel as if he actually "gets it" now. OKC needs him and he has rose to the challenge.
He knows he must carry this team since Durant is out. Plus, when Durant comes back...we can arguably say the team is now Westbrook's. And you know, I don't have a problem with it. Durant most likely wouldn't have a problem with it, either. Especially when Westbrook is creating more shots for his teammates. This team has the formula for making it to the NBA Playoffs this year.
Currently at the #9 spot of the playoff picture (or at the house in April), I look forward to seeing Russell Westbrook and OKC fight their way into the playoffs. This team really deserves to be there.
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