Westbrook bounce back with poll

[zimpy27]

I personally think Westbrook will have a bounce back season to some degree. The main thing I'm expecting is an improvement in scoring statistics.

I think Westbrook will have the best or 2nd best 3% and TS% of his career.
I think he will also go back to having a positive impact statistic (using LEBRON).

Last season Westbrook was -1 for LEBRON. He shot 29.8% from 3 and had a 51.2% TS%.

I'm thinking he's going to have a LEBRON that is positive, a 3% that is over 33% (career best is 34.3%) and a TS% that is over 54.5% (career best is 55.4%).

I may be crazy, but what do you think is likely to happen? [POLL]

He's been trending down every season but I feel good about this new team and the described offensive system for Russ's game.

Do you think he gets worse than last season? Do you think he has one of his most efficient seasons ever?

[AussieCeltic]

Once these types of guys start trending downwards, it’s almost always over. There aren’t too many who have rejuvenation projects at this age - especially on the same team.

[SlovenianDragon]

Only way Westbrook gets better.is to use the change of pace...but I don't expect old dogs to learn new tricks.

Best players in the nba used change of pace to their advantage...

Westbrook is to athletic and clumsy.

Westbrooks biggest down fall is that he couldn't control his own athleticism.

But that has something to do with basketball IQ as well.

He will only get worse.

Sorry.

[miamiheat319]

I don't feel like that environment is one that fosters rejuvenation projects. Imo if WB has a chance at a comeback it's with a new team and a new mindset.

[GreatWhiteStiff]

I'd definitely bet a sack of potatoes that westbrook hits less than 33.3% of his threes. I think it'd be quite optimistic to bet otherwise. His shot has tanked since that career mark. He can't make free throws the way he used to, or at least he hasnt' for quite a few seasons.

[facothomas22]

I think a "bounce back" season is high unlikely for Russell Westbrook. Maybe if he's willing to accept a 6th man role, but from based on his history, that won't happen. His athleticism is declining and he hasn't improved his shooting to compensate for his declining athleticism. Also the team he's on also lack any good 3pt shooters, so that won't help Westbrook ether. Really, it wouldn't be that surprising if he plays the same or even worse this season than the last.

[zimpy27]

I think a "bounce back" season is high unlikely for Russell Westbrook. Maybe if he's willing to accept a 6th man role, but from based on his history, that won't happen. His athleticism is declining and he hasn't improved his shooting to compensate for his declining athleticism. Also the team he's on also lack any good 3pt shooters, so that won't help Westbrook ether. Really, it wouldn't be that surprising if he plays the same or even worse this season than the last.

Yeah it's certainly more likely he gets worse just looking at the data as a trend.

The bounce back is purely mentality change from Russ. To go from star to roleplayers with defined shots and plays.

[Joerezz7]

Has it been confirmed that he’s starting?

[JRoy]

Low iq, no humility.

Not happening



(Lots of glares after finally making a shot though).

[cam24thomas]

Chi-na!

[NO-KG-AI]

If Westbrook even manages to do one thing well, and is still garbage at everything else, he will be heaped with praise because the expectations are so low, and people want to pretend we "wrote him off" prematurely or something.

The only way Westbrook can help more is by being on the court less.

[Monky15]

Maybe if he is traded to a team full of shooters.

[jc23]

ima keep it basics and say "no". Russ has no place in the league anymore, his ability is that of a role player on a good team or a number one option on a bad team. Problem is bad teams dont want him as he will stunt the growth of their young talent and good teams know he will never play a role.

[hippesthippo]

I think a "bounce back" season is high unlikely for Russell Westbrook. Maybe if he's willing to accept a 6th man role, but from based on his history, that won't happen. His athleticism is declining and he hasn't improved his shooting to compensate for his declining athleticism. Also the team he's on also lack any good 3pt shooters, so that won't help Westbrook ether. Really, it wouldn't be that surprising if he plays the same or even worse this season than the last.

Yeah it's certainly more likely he gets worse just looking at the data as a trend.

The bounce back is purely mentality change from Russ. To go from star to roleplayers with defined shots and plays.

The only way Russ is improving at this point in his career is if he plays less minutes and improves his shot selection.

Whatever the deal is with his shooting decline, I can only guess, but he puts so much energy into running full speed ahead into turnovers that he's got nothing left to give on defense and no legs at the FT line. Something has to give as you age.

6 years ago Westbrook had the energy to play like that on offense and still have gas in the tank to play a complete game. Not in 2022. Hence, I voted for the second to last option. A slight bump in stats only because I believe Westbrook has too much pride to shoot as poorly again this year as last.

You mentioned in the OP that LA recently described what they had in mind for Westbrook this year; I missed it, what did they say?

[rocketsfan100]

The problem is the situation and fit. Even if he bounces back he has to play off ball with another ball dominant player like Lebron so it’s just a bad fit all round. Then you add Schroeder to the mix it’s just downright impossible for Russ to “ bounce back” quote on quote.

[cam24thomas]

A slight bump in stats only because I believe Westbrook has too much pride to shoot as poorly again this year as last.

Aside from free-throws, Westbrook's shooting was the same last season as his entire career
2021-22 = .444 field, .298 threes
Career = .438 field, .305 threes

[SinceGatlingWasARookie]

Become a running team with Westbrook as the small forward playing with Schröder And Beverly with Lebron as the power forward.
Westbrook can take small forwards of the dribble. Despite being shorter Westbrook won't get overpowered much and should be an OK rebounder for a small forward.

The point is to let Westbrook play free and easy and invigorated.

[AdamTH21]

Become a running team with Westbrook as the small forward playing with Schröder And Beverly with Lebron as the power forward.
Westbrook can take small forwards of the dribble. Despite being shorter Westbrook won't get overpowered much and should be an OK rebounder for a small forward.

The point is to let Westbrook play free and easy and invigorated.

I disagree that he is beating the majority of small forwards off the dribble. He doesn’t have the explosiveness anymore to beat those bigger guys and get around them at will. Also, how many of those wings does he stand a chance against defensively? He struggles to defend his guard matchups already.

[jasonxxx102]

It’s up to Westbrook and he’s shown that he has no interest in accepting what he is.

It’s foolish to think he’s going to magically change his attitude and turn it around.

Seems like people have finally realized he’s not being traded now

[Bologna Smasher]

If Westbrook embraces becoming a super Bruce Brown Jr. then he'll have success. Think he will have difficulties adjusting his game for that though.