Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 30-21

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Six of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on July 20, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Top 50 NBA players: 28. Russell Westbrook

Previous Rank: 29

Traded to the Washington Wizards before the season last year, Russell Westbrook had a solid season in the nation’s capital. He averaged a triple-double yet again, the fourth time in five seasons. He earned the record for career triple-doubles and helped the Wizards surge at the end of the season to get back into the postseason. During the offseason he requested a trade to pursue a ring and finds himself back home, suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The fit is going to cause questions until it is seen on the court. Westbrook has always been ball-dominant (to put it lightly) and that has not changed much with age. Last season he posted a 29.5 percent usage rate, good for 19th in the league. He regularly shared the court with someone who finished fourth in usage (Bradley Beal), so there is precedent for him meshing with another high usage player. LeBron James finished 11th in usage a year ago and bringing in Westbrook is likely to make life easier for his new teammate, at least during the regular season.

Westbrook has become something of a journeyman in recent seasons, but this should be the final stop. He has joined a team capable of finally putting a ring on his finger. For once, he will just have to play his role.