Through the years, it is truthful to say that Russell Westbrook has been one of the vital scrutinized gamers in latest reminiscence. This polarizing determine has drawn robust opinions from either side. Relying on who you ask, he is both one of many best gamers of his period or a closely used participant who’s been pumping up his stats and hasn’t achieved a lot since Kevin Durant left.
Regardless of the arguments and complications, there was no denying Westbrook’s stardom. In spite of everything, he was a part of a star duo that led a title run within the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for nearly a decade. However over time, this pattern has slowly light.
As his athleticism declined, so did his standing within the league. He went from profitable the MVP in 2017 to being a participant who struggles to stay with one staff. He has performed for 4 groups in 5 seasons since leaving OKC in 2019. After some preliminary struggles, he has accepted his place within the league as a backup. He signed a two-year cope with the Denver Nuggets this offseason.
As Westbrook declines, the critics are getting louder. The basketball enigma can now not silence them with particular person performances as very good as these he was capable of produce on the age of 20. In line with NBA legend Oscar Robertson – whose document for triple-doubles in a season Westbrook broke – he had warned him of this actual situation.
Robertson appeared on the “All The Smoke” podcast hosted by former NBA gamers Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. He recalled telling Westbrook, on the peak of his powers in 2017, to benefit from the second. The Corridor of Famer additionally tried to organize Westbrook for doable criticism that might come later, when his sport declines.
“It is unlucky for Westbrook that they are doing that to him. I believe the man is a really priceless man to any staff he performs for, however they wish to blame someone,” Robertson mentioned. “He saved the Oklahoma franchise going for years. I went to see him in OKC and I used to be joyful for him, however I assumed, ‘Nicely, they are going to come after you. As a result of they are going to count on you to do this each night time and when you do not win, they are going to blame you. And that is what they did.”
Oscar Robertson Talks Russell Westbrook
“It’s unlucky for Westbrook that they’re doing this type of factor to him. I believe the man could be very priceless to any staff he performs for, however by some means they wish to pin the blame on someone. He saved the Oklahoma franchise going for years. I went to see… pic.twitter.com/6tBB5dsjcN
– 乇尺ﾑ (@TheWestbrookEra) September 19, 2024
To clear up any confusion, Robertson doubtless wasn’t focusing on Thunder followers. When Westbrook returned to OKC, he acquired the loudest ovation of the season from an opposing participant. As a substitute, Robertson doubtless meant that the NBA and nationwide media had turned on him.
There isn’t a higher latest instance than his time with the The Los Angeles Lakers. Because the staff underperformed, the soiled laundry was being aired. Westbrook was the largest goal. A number of studies tarnishing his picture made the rounds on social media.
In that respect, Robertson was proper in his prediction. Westbrook has been a controversial determine all through his season and that, mixed along with his speedy decline, has opened the door to harsh criticism from individuals who by no means appreciated him within the first place. Such is life within the NBA for a one-time famous person.
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Oscar Robertson Warned Russell Westbrook That NBA Will Flip Towards Him
