Russell Westbrook is back, all is right with basketball
By Ian Levy
Polarizing. That’s one word you can use to describe Russell Westbrook’s NBA career.
A better word you can use is fun. Forget the future, forget how good Scott Brooks actually is as a coach, and forget Kevin Durant’s future. The only thing that matters with the Oklahoma City Thunder right now is that Russell “**** you” Westbrook is back.
A player with Westbrook’s skill, athleticism, and swagger doesn’t deserve all of the criticism he receives, but a loud player like him invites it, and he accepts that. But you know what you can’t criticize, at least not without sounding like an old geezer? His passion and ferocity on the court. This guy has it all: the dunks, the fastbreaks, the pull up jumpshots, and the fashion.
Nov 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play while watching his team play the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oh yes, the fashion.
With Westbrook back, the narrative surrounding the Thunder will shift, at least for a little while. Durant’s still sidelined by injury, so Westbrook is “the man” on the Thunder. And while the superstar point guard is used to narratives swirling around him, they are never stronger than when Durant isn’t playing. Everybody knows them by now. “He’s not a real point guard”; “He shoots too much”; “He takes the ball away from Durant even when Durant is on the bench”.
You know what Westbrook thinks about those narratives? He says **** you, I’m gonna go hit this 3-pointer, holster my guns, and then I’m gonna yell at you about that shot I just made. Westbrook’s confidence is unstoppable and his speed unguardable, he knows it and he’s going to make sure you know it.
Don’t worry Mr. Westbrook, we know, and we’re all excited. Welcome back.