Washington Wizards: Russell Westbrook is an enigma

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 12: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards looks toward the fans before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 12, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Russell Westbrook’s poor shooting has always cost his teams

Over Westbrook’s seven-year peak, he cost his teams -53.8 points through his poor shooting compared to an average shooter. However, if you discount 2017-18, which saw him run up -125.4 points, he added 71.6 points over a six-season stretch.

That positive summation factors in his ability to generate and convert free throws, if you just look at shots from the field, he cost his teams between -15.8 points and -147.5 points each season over that seven-year run. All of this is to say, Westbrook’s shooting from the field was of the into-your-own-foot variety.

That lack of efficient finishing didn’t matter. He would rack up free throws and hit them at an above-average clip to offset his troubles shooting from the floor and then he would grab rebounds and dish out assists at an unconscionable rate to make up for his poor shooting. Along the way, he coughed up more turnovers than just about anyone, but once again, the positives always seemed to outweigh the negatives.

This is the crux of the Russell Westbrook experience and why he generates such polarizing reactions from those in the basketball community. He is both elite and horrible. He generates points for his team like a superstar and then gives those points right back with poor decision-making as a shooter and passer. Westbrook giveth and taketh away. This is why people don’t know how to feel about him. How can someone so good be so bad?

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