Muskies97 wrote:This is a great video about the evolution of Russell's game and why I think fans shouldn't be so low on him. He could really have a career year under Finch this season.
People have tried to use how Russell plays best off of other guys as a knock on his game. But facts are facts. It doesn't make him any less of a person or player to need help. Kevin Garnett wasn't a garbage player because he needed help. Kevin Durant isn't a lesser player because he needed help.
This video tells a pretty clear story about how he plays and at the same time how he really has rarely been used in these ways in the NBA.
I'm not here to talk about his contract and how overpaid he is or isn't. Honestly, that point is moot. Minnesota did not sign him to that contract. Now it's just about getting the most out of him. In order to do that, there needs to be a coach who understands how to use him the correct way. Building an offense where he's not the No. 1 option (and at times not the No. 2) allows him to do what he's best at.....playing off of others and making everyone better.
His stint at the end of last season wasn't revolutionary because he was coming off the bench. It's because the pressure was off of him to be the sole playmaker and creator on the floor. Seriously, look at the lists of guys he's played with. He's had to carry more than his share on the floor. As with anyone, if you take on too much in areas that aren't your best, you probably won't look as good. But that doesn't mean you're any less capable in your strengths. They just need to be highlighted and not buried.