Russell Westbrook Is Ready To Be The Leader

Russell Westbrook is prepared to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory while improving his own style of play.

Since Kevin Durant left, Russell Westbrook has become the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. His style of play and the way he handled the ball last season proved that he was more than prepared to handle that position.

But Westbrook’s official role as the team leader was first introduced to the world on the Thunder’s Media Day last week.

“Win. The main focus is to win a championship every year. And that’s what I will try to do on both sides of the ball. Leadership wise as well,” Westbrook said when asked about his expectations for the season.

That expectation is very high , considering the many changes that have impacted the Thunder’s roster. The Thunder arguably had the most talented roster last season. But the absence of key players like Dion Waiters, Serge Ibaka, and Kevin Durant weakened the depth of the squad.

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However, the addition of Victor Oladipo from the Orlando Magic gives the Thunder a different aspect to their style of play. Oladipo and Westbrook could potentially be one of the strongest backcourts in the NBA. Besides their athleticism, the two, according to Westbrook, could be the best defensive backcourt in the league.

But can Westbrook really lead his team to the Finals? It’s tough to say considering how the Golden State Warriors‘ prominence has reigned in the West. Westbrook obviously has the competitive drive to get them there.

He averaged 23.5 points, 10.5 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. He also led the league in triple-doubles by attaining 18 of them. His ability as a point guard has significantly improved. His 10.5 assists last season — a career-high — suggest that he has great vision and is an excellent playmaker. This season, Westbrook is a top candidate to receive the MVP award.

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More certainty remains with Westbrook’s success than with the success of his team, but the presence of Oladipo and the return of the dominant frontcourt in Enes Kanter and Steven Adams puts the team in a positive position.

“I don’t know how it’s gonna work out. I’m going to just continue to do what I’ve been doing. Come in and try to get better and lead our team,” Westbrook said when asked about how he would handle being the primary focus of the team.

Although Westbrook has not been the official focus of a team before, his style of play validates his position as a leader. The way that he aggressively drives to the basket and his role as a playmaker show how easy it is for him to take control of the game.

Westbrook concluded the press conference by mentioning how he and his teammates would have to adjust to the new changes while also mentioning that he doesn’t want to control the way the team plays. Westbrook’s main role, according to him, is ensuring that everyone is comfortable in their role on the court.

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While the Thunder may have diminished in talent since last season, now is not the time to fully count them out. Their front office has made the right moves in softening the loss of Kevin Durant by acquiring integral pieces to the team, and Westbrook seems ready to completely dominate this season.