Thanks for this. Funny enough, I was critical of the Thunder version of Westbrook when he was at his best. I thought he was stubborn and selfish to detriment of better offensive players around him. But I really really grew to like Westbrook. A one-of-a-kind player to be honored and missed.
Agreed. My understanding of “selfish” has absolutely evolved over the years. I think younger me was expecting every player to be pass-first, hunt the perfect shot. Older me has more appreciation for the fact that SOMEONE has to end the possession!
Awesome tribute to Russ, Mike! Not sure why so many people wanted to bash the guy? Wasn't too efficient or effective the last 3-4 years but the guy has had an insane career! Plus you could make that case for any all time great players when they near the end of their careers.
I'm sure half of the haters are Laker fans, who still hold a grudge because he didn't play too nicely with Bron while he was there, plus throwing blame at him for the team's overall lacklustre performance.
Still one of the top 20 all time players arguably, maybe top 5 if you're only looking at stats. And one of the top 3 PGs of all time, while also being on the top 3 best player list to never win a title!
It is a sad reality that when a player's end drags on a little longer than it should, it colors perception of their whole career. I've at least been encouraged that almost every piece I've read about Westbrook has been overwhelmingly positive!
Glad you did this -- and hope he is remembered well. I thought in DC he was great, considering...
I loved Wizards Westbrook ha. Definitely my favorite non-Thunder version
Thanks for this. Funny enough, I was critical of the Thunder version of Westbrook when he was at his best. I thought he was stubborn and selfish to detriment of better offensive players around him. But I really really grew to like Westbrook. A one-of-a-kind player to be honored and missed.
Agreed. My understanding of “selfish” has absolutely evolved over the years. I think younger me was expecting every player to be pass-first, hunt the perfect shot. Older me has more appreciation for the fact that SOMEONE has to end the possession!
Awesome tribute to Russ, Mike! Not sure why so many people wanted to bash the guy? Wasn't too efficient or effective the last 3-4 years but the guy has had an insane career! Plus you could make that case for any all time great players when they near the end of their careers.
I'm sure half of the haters are Laker fans, who still hold a grudge because he didn't play too nicely with Bron while he was there, plus throwing blame at him for the team's overall lacklustre performance.
Still one of the top 20 all time players arguably, maybe top 5 if you're only looking at stats. And one of the top 3 PGs of all time, while also being on the top 3 best player list to never win a title!
It is a sad reality that when a player's end drags on a little longer than it should, it colors perception of their whole career. I've at least been encouraged that almost every piece I've read about Westbrook has been overwhelmingly positive!
That's good to hear, and I've noticed the same thing about his career recaps being almost all positive 👍