Russell Westbrook not bothered by the expiring contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder: NBA Update
Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook has rubbished suggestions he could be distracted this season because of his expiring contract. The point guard will be a free agent at the end of the 2011-2012 NBA season and is set
for a big pay day after establishing himself as one of the most talented young stars in the league.
Westbrook has improved leaps and bounds since arriving at Oklahoma City and the star doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon. He was often considered a liability early on in his career but his consistent performances and marked
improvement have made him arguably one of the better point guards in the whole league.
This would mean that a huge pay rise in store for the youngster once his current contract runs out. Westbrook, like everyone else, wouldn’t mind a raise, but that’s not what he has in mind going into the new NBA season.
Instead, the star is focused on continuing to improve and helping his side go further and further ahead.
"It's not a distraction at all," Westbrook said Tuesday at the team's media day. "I'm looking forward to this year and looking forward to big things out of my team and my teammates."
There is no doubt that if Westbrook has his head on the game, he can form a deadly duo with super star teammate Kevin Durant and help Oklahoma City become a major force in the NBA. Everyone at the franchise believes in his ability,
including head coach Scott Brooks.
"We love what Russell brings us. He's a tough point guard. He's one of the best in the league," coach Scott Brooks said.
Brooks had some disagreements with Russell in last season’s playoffs, especially in the series against the Dallas Mavericks. Westbrook was made to sit out often during that series because he was perceived to be too selfish out
on the court.
That though is in the past, and Brooks cannot help sing the praises of Westbrook, a player he believes has shown incredible improvement in his time at Oklahoma City. It’s that will to improve and raw ability of Russell that excites
his coach.
"He's improved every year and that's not going to change this year. I think he's going to continue to get better. He's 23 years old and the work that he puts in, the good attitude that he brings to the court, those are the two
things that I worry about."
Russell’s explosiveness and his ability to penetrate are second to none in the NBA. However, the player will have to improve on his decision making and distribution if he is to become a truly great point guard. If he does that,
the Oklahoma City Thunder could cause a lot of problems to a lot of teams in the NBA.
Tags: