Chicago Bulls: Cases for and against Russell Westbrook trade
By Ryan Heckman
Track record and attitude an issue
As great as Westbrook has been during the regular season over his career, his track record speaks to the fact that he fades away on the big stage. I have no problem calling him a top-10 player in the NBA today, but he certainly has holes in his game.
To this day, Westbrook has had 10 years to develop a jump shot. He still hasn’t done that. A truly great player will work at their flaws and turn them into strengths. Look at all of the greats who have played before Westbrook, and that’s what they’ve been able to do.
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Not only has he failed to strengthen his jump shot, that is the very reason why he continues to fail in the playoffs. When his team needs a couple of big shots late in a game, Westbrook cannot always come through. He isn’t a consistent shooter, and that’s a fact.
Can he get to the bucket? Absolutely. But, can you count on him to carry an offense if need be? Not a chance.
In addition, the way Westbrook has handled himself with the media over the last few years is disheartening. I understand the media has their agenda and can be a bit overbearing at times. But, that’s no reason for Westbrook to act like a child.
Westbrook is flat-out disrespectful. His postgame press conferences have become unwatchable. On many occasions, he gives them one-word answers with a look of disgust on his face.
I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer to have the face of the franchise be a guy full of class — that’s not Westbrook, sorry.