Russell Westbrook was just on Rome Is Burning (sporting a new little buzzhawk) and he talked about the draft tonight.
On OKC drafting Ricky Rubio: “It wouldn’t be a bad situation for me, but I’ll just leave it up to Oklahoma City and hopefully they make they right decisions.”
On being a point guard: “I feel like I’m a true 1. I’ve been playing point guard all my life and I’ve been trying to get better at it and learning different things especially in the NBA, point guard is a tough position.”
On what he wants to see the team do: “Whatever’s good for the team, I’m going to try my best to contribute to the team any way I can.”
On the “You trippin’” quote: “I don’t recall saying that. I don’t remember saying that at all.” (Though I will note, Westbrook had a huge smile and was laughing. Take that for what it’s worth.)
So, either someone grabbed Westbrook’s collar and told him he better speak right on Rome, or all those reports were hooey. It didn’t seem like he wasn’t speaking freely, but it’s unfair to speculate about what he may or may not have really been thinking.
Again, I’m sure he’s not super-psyched about the situation, but I get the feeling he’d get used to it. Especially when he can free-range and just roam the court and doesn’t have to worry about setting up teammates and running an offense. We’ll see. Just two hours left party people.
donuteyes is not my real name. i'm not on the thunder either. my point was that sometimes i'm not sure what player is being talked about if i'm not up on the latest okc nickname trends. it's all good.
I haven't heard much from Joe lately. Maybe he is Presti after all. coolness...
@donuteyes
yes, is donuteyes your real name?
jet zero? i'm assuming that's westbrook...
...does everyone have to have a nickname, even a forced one?
@Kyle
Excellent point.
J.G. :I think after his first no-look, half-court alley-oop from Rubio and the freedom he’d have to slice open defense and crash the boards…he’d learn to adjust.
Rubio would make the entire team better. That includes Jet Zero.
Agree. Don't forget they will be playing summer ball together and with the talent in those compared to real NBA they could slice it up together and form a good bond.
I think after his first no-look, half-court alley-oop from Rubio and the freedom he'd have to slice open defense and crash the boards...he'd learn to adjust.
Rubio would make the entire team better. That includes Jet Zero.
It sounds like he had a little cliché coaching via Bull Durham before he went on Rome today. But it sounds like he definitely wants to play the 1, and he probably wouldn't have that opportunity full-time if Rubio is drafted. It also takes at least 2-3 years for a PG to develop in the NBA (Parker, Williams - the exception might be CP3), so with some time he could prove wrong all of those who doubt his ball-handling skills and passing.
@BigVessXpress
Excellent point.
It definitely seemed like his comments were as vague as possible. Almost sounded like a practiced politician. If they talked to him as much as it sounds like regarding Rubio I wonder how much credence that lends to rumors the Thunder will be taking him.
What I take away from that interview: RW would certainly be disappointed if Presti selects Rubio, but he’s not going to throw tantrums or turn into a head case. He realizes any pick is made with the team’s best interests in mind, and while he thinks he should be the answer at 1, he’ll get along and play hard no matter what Presti and Brooks want him to do. It’s a mature response, and the one I think we all wanted to see out of RW. And I stand by that when he sees how Rubio can change this team, and when that change manifests itself into Ws, RW will be a happy contented camper.