Jennings & Westbrook Strengths/Weaknesses Before Mo

effjay · Post #1 » by **effjay** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:11 am

What were Russell Westbrook's strengths/weaknesses before Mo Cheeks got his hands on him? Anybody follow the Thunder closely enough to know?

Trying to make some parallels between the development of OKC's star PG and the possible development of Jennings here in Detroit, both under the leadership of our new HC. I want to know what specific traits Cheeks was successful in molding for these young guys, whether it be certain positional tendencies (ball handling, court vision), behavioral issues (both RW and BJ are relatively impulsive, quick acting, and love to shoot), etc.

ComboGuardCity · Post #2 » by **ComboGuardCity** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:13 am

Not the same at all. Westbrook couldn't shoot and played out of control. Now he harnesses his athleticism a bit better.

Jennings can shoot and create at a decent clip. He takes terrible shots and cannot drive at all. I'm still optimistic though.

ImHeisenberg · Post #3 » by **ImHeisenberg** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:14 am

Tough call, as Cheeks was hired after Westbrook's rookie season. Russell's assist averages took a big leap in his sophomore season, and generally played with more poise.

How much of that was Cheeks' influence, opposed to natural progression, desire and work ethic?

effjay · Post #4 » by **effjay** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:16 am

ComboGuardCity wrote:Not the same at all. Westbrook couldn't shoot and played out of control. Now he harnesses his athleticism a bit better.

Jennings can shoot and create at a decent clip. He takes terrible shots and cannot drive at all. I'm still optimistic though.

Maybe we'll see an improvement in his driving ability -- Mo bringing over some of the things he saw/developed with RW? That, along with Billups, has the potential to be promising.

Interesting read that I just came across: http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-why-russell-westbrook-will-miss-maurice-cheeks/article/3844408

Not saying that BJ has the same talent as RW. In fact, it's not even debatable that RW started with more talent and physicality than BJ. However, I think there's potential for BJ to slow his frenetic pace down with a guy like Cheeks who clearly helped RW do the same thing. They may not always see eye to eye, but there's a chance for Cheeks to provide the necessary tutelage and molding that Jennings needs at this stage in his career. And I can't help but think that Cheeks works better with a guy who may be a loose cannon (Jennings) than a yawner (Knight); see Westbrook, Jailblazers, etc.