Russell Westbrook has accumulated countless achievements over his career. Two scoring titles, two-time assist leader, nine All-NBA Teams (one of 31 players to in NBA history with at least nine), averaging a triple-double for three straight seasons (first ever), second-most triple-doubles in NBA history (Magic Johnson) to name a few.
In his 11-year tenure with OKC, he held averages of 23.2 points, 8.3 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game. Ever since his time with Kevin Durant, however, he has faced immense amounts of criticism. Following KD’s departure for the Warriors in the summer of 2016, Westbrook has yet to return to the second round. Since then, he has been teammates with Victor Oladipo, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and James Harden (again). Despite all of this, he has evolved tremendously into an even more dangerous player.
Efficiency
Once the Thunder pressed the reset button, Westbrook sought a new opportunity with the Rockets. With a fresh start alongside Harden in Houston, he saw a resurgence in his playing style and efficiency.
He shot career-highs from the field and two-point range at 47.2% and 51.4%, respectively. Westbrook also averaged his third-highest scoring output of his career at 27.2 points per game. With additional averages of 7.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.6 steals on at least 47% shooting, he joined an exclusive club with Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Not only that, but his 27-7-7 stat line puts him in another exclusive club as one of three players to average that in at least three seasons (LeBron James and Oscar Robertson).
What’s been the biggest difference? The paint was much more open.
Driving Lanes Parted Like the Sea
On the Thunder, Russ was never around a great shooting team outside of Durant, George, Oladipo, and an aging Anthony (still solid though). They were not utilizing Westbrook to the best of his abilities by finding ways to open up the paint. With the lack of shooters around him, many defenders would sag off and clog the paint.
On the Rockets, with Clint Capela being sidelined for 11 games before the trade deadline, Russ started to blossom. He was maneuvering his way into the lane and getting easy buckets. This was the evolution of small-ball. Once the Rockets dealt Capela for Robert Covington in that four-team trade, Houston was supplied with another floor-spacer and elite defender. His paint production skyrocketed.
In the 40 games before the Capela trade, Westbrook was averaging 13.9 points per game on 54.3% shooting in the paint. In 13 games post-Capela, he averaged 19.2 points per game on 58.4% shooting in the paint prior to the Bubble. Over the final 34 games, he went on to average 30.0 points per game on 50.2% shooting while dropping 20+ points in 36 consecutive games (NBA-high, career-high).
Having consistent lineups with shooters opens the paint for Westbrook. He is still a pretty decent midrange shooter to keep the defense honest. He’s quick enough to get by defenders, smart enough to make open passes when the defense collapses and explosive enough to finish at the rim. Much of this helps when you have another elite player on the roster.
Partner in Crime
Post KD-era, Westbrook failed to get out of the first round with Victor Oladipo or Paul George. He was able to do that with James Harden, but his return from injury to compete in the last three games of the first round may have been too soon, as he noticeably declined during the second round against the Lakers.
Much of the discussion before the Rockets acquired Westbrook was how these two ball-dominant guards would coexist. They’re close friends and Harden is dynamic on the court with a plethora of moves to score and be a dynamic passer. Harden has been one of the best complimentary pieces Russ has had since KD. Well you know…superstar-Harden, not sixth man of the year-Harden. Peep the chemistry.
Harden demands so much attention from his ability to score, especially from beyond the arc with his patented step-back. As much as Harden scores, he is a very willing passer. That elite scoring prowess combined with other shooters on this team provided Westbrook with countless mismatches. Even alongside a ball-dominant guard, he still posted 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. There’s a reason why both of them became the first teammates to average at least 27.0 points and 7.0 assists in a season EVER.
Run It Back
Despite the second-round exit, this season was still a success. It was only the first year that Westbrook and Harden were teammates with several mid-season injuries and roster changes. Eric Gordon played in only 36 games and Westbrook, 57, of the shortened 72-game season. Russ missed time at a crucial point, appearing in only 4-of-8 games in the the Bubble and missing the first four games of the playoffs. There was also the violation of the NBA Bubble’s Health and Safety Protocols by *cough cough* Danuel House.
Despite some of these issues, Westbrook was still an integral part of the Rockets‘ success with leading the league in three’s made per game (15.6) and second in points per game (117.8). With the departures of Coach Mike D’Antoni and General Manager Daryl Morey, it is safe to assume there will be somewhat of a new system implemented. Having a full season of small-ball, some roster changes, a new coach, and a new GM can lead to much more success moving forward. Russell Westbrook has shown the ability to thrive playing alongside shooters and there’s optimism for success going into next season.
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