Did we hear it right? Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russel Westbrook is the new Michael Jordan?
Of course, the legendary Jordan will always have his fame in a lifetime. It’s just that the strong skills and impeccable speed and strength of Westbrook in basketball is highly commendable and beyond impressive.
According to ESPN, Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd, hailed as one of the best triple-double artists in NBA history, sees a bright superstar in Westbrook and greatly believes that the point guard can average a triple-double this season.
Kidd admitted that he could only wish of doing what Westbrook is doing right now. He has been most stunned with Westbrook's ability to win without Kevin Durant during his streak of five straight triple-doubles. Big wow huh.
"It can be done. I have always said I think it could be done. You got to have a special player, and I think we are looking at a special player," Kid said.
The same source noted that Westbrook is the first NBA player to record five consecutive triple-doubles since Michael Jordan did way back in 1989. On Sunday, the Thunder point guard had 28 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists in a 101-92 victory over New Orleans. Westbrook also had 10 turnovers, which made him the first since Kidd in 2000 to achieve double digits in all four categories.
It looks like we have a charming player in the court that will definitely work his way to captivate the cheers of the crowd. As reported, early this season, Westbrook “had nearly as many unassisted dunks in the past five seasons (122) as prolific slashers Dwyane Wade and DeMar DeRozanhave combined (131) and more unassisted dunks than the total number of dunks by new teammate Victor Oladipo (116).” Who wouldn’t want to miss this phenomenal game-changer, right?
Aside from eyeing him as the future MJ, he is described as a giant monster with the noise that he creates when the ball is in his magical hands. It is noteworthy that last season, Westbrook produced the following totals: 374 times as a ball handler in transition, 398 points produced (1.064 points per play). Only few basketball players came close to his numbers, the likes of James Harden, Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
Indeed, his popularity is unstoppable. Previously, The Los Angeles Lakers was reported to snatch Westbrook from OKC and make him as the big man in the team following Kobe Bryant's departure. But it didn’t happen as his loyalty got extended in his current squad worth an overwhelming $87.5 million for the next three seasons.
"There's nowhere else I would rather be than Oklahoma City. You guys have basically raised me. I've been here since I was 18, 19 years old. You guys did nothing but great things for me. Through the good and the bad, you guys supported me through it all, and I appreciate it. Definitely when I had the opportunity to be able to be loyal to you guys, that's the No. 1 option. Loyalty is something that I stand by,” he said.
With everything combined from humility to thrilling talents, Westbrook will soar higher with flying colors.
