OKC Thunder: 5 Takeaways From Media Day 2016-17
By Joshua Lea
1. Russell Westbrook has always been a leader to his teammates
The overall theme with the OKC Thunder this season is that this is Westbrook’s team now. With Durant gone, It’s Westbrook’s turn to take the ropes and guide the dark horse that is the Thunder this season.
However, the team didn’t see it that way. There was an abundance of players that suggested he’s always been a leader to this team. Steven Adams laughed and told one reporter, “He was our leader last year too, mate.”
This speaks volumes to how the team views Westbrook and how the team has viewed Westbrook. Most teams have one or two true leaders on the court, and one in the locker room. The locker room leader is usually a guy like Kendrick Perkins or Nick Collison.
The leader on the court is generally the point guard or the superstar player.
Westbrook hasn’t always been a leader for this team, I believe over the last three season’s he’s grown into that role. When Durant was sidelined due to the jones fracture, Westbrook had to take control and lead this team. Thus giving him a taste of what is to come this season.
Westbrook will be able to lead this team on the court. He’ll also have plenty of help from assistant coach Mo Cheeks and Nick Collison. Most feel Westbrook is already a great player; however, he now has the chance to be a great leader.