Houston Rockets: 3 reasons Russell Westbrook is a good fit

3. He’s one of the most aggressive defenders in basketball

Despite being highly regarded by most analysts for his incredible offensive acumen, Russell Westbrook has worked rigorously to cement himself as arguably one of the most aggressive defenders in basketball.

For over the last decade and counting, the 6’3″, 200-pound guard has demonstrated the ability to hold his own against some of the top assignments across the league with tenacious on-ball defense — when he’s locked in and focused, that is.

Including a high awareness across the less glamorous end of the floor, the two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP has developed a reputation for being one of the most dangerous threats when it comes to disrupting the passing lanes and garnering steals with his active hands.

Turning his defense into offense, Westbrook possesses the speed and dexterity to make his opponents pay by turning their miscues into two points within the blink of an eye.

"“He impacts the game in so many different ways,” Thunder head coach Billy Donovan told the Associated Press at the onset of last year. “He can do it through rebounding, he can do it through defense, he can do it through assists, he can do it through getting out in transition. “He does a lot of different things to impact the game.”"

Although it remains to be seen how Westbrook might adjust to the Rockets’ switch-heavy defensive scheme, the former scoring champion will provide Houston with an elite pass disruptor.

He’ll grant the Rockets a more athletic option to throw at opposing big men on switches, as Westbrook has displayed the aptitude for being able to hold his own against numerous positions despite being over prone to gambling on various assignments.

Westbrook — who finished among the top 10 in deflections per game last year — averaged 1.9 steals per game and ranked fifth overall in blocks per game among players 6’4″ or smaller with 0.5 swats per contest.