I don’t think Russell Westbrook becoming a great defender at 35 was predicted by many?

[OkcSinceSGA]

He’s #5 in the league this year in perimeter shooting defense based on opponent shooting %. He’s the Clippers only good point-of-attack guard or wing that is fully capable of staying in front of guys the entire way of a drive.

I know earlier in his career he was solid defensively, but I don’t remember him ever being considered great or elite at it. He’s 35 years old and in the twilight of his career playing career best defense. It kind of reminds me of an older Jason Kidd, where he’s big, strong, and capable of guarding several positions in his later years like the Dallas run.

It seems like since about 2019 he’s gotten stronger on that end, but peaking now would be odd.

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[KembaWalker]

I was told he was the worst player in the league and solely responsible for the Lakers failings

[TravisScott55]

reduced role, can focus on exerting energy on defense now

[Harry Garris]

Westbrook has always been capable of being a great defender, the reason he hasn't been one the majority of his career is because of lapses in focus and in effort.

I honestly think failure on the Lakers crushed his ego a little bit and enabled him to accept this lesser role as part of a team on the Clippers and to be willing to do the little things like stay focused on defense.

[OkcSinceSGA]

I was told he was the worst player in the league and solely responsible for the Lakers failings

On the Clippers he’s been a fan favorite. Win or lose, he’s the only guy that goes hard every possession. Last year in the playoffs he flat out carried the team vs the Suns.

[dhsilv2]

Point of attack defense wasn't his issue.

[slick_watts]

westbrook could have had several more years as a super star if he just fixed his threes and free throws.

[E-Balla]

Westbrook has always been an amazing POA defender. The issue is he wasn't primarily a POA defender most of his career due to his offensive role and teammates like Thabo and Roberson and off ball he doesn't pay attention enough. Now that he's in a reduced role and primarily a POA defender he's thriving on that end of the floor.

[OfficialRef]

Hes playing on a superteam so he can focus more on the defensive end. When hes engaged, hes good on-ball but he tends to not be disciplined many times.

[TheGeneral99]

I'm not surprised.

Russ is a very explosive player even at this age.

He's way a better fit next to George and Harden who are both great shooters, so he can focus on doing the little things.

[ThunderBolt]

OP comes out of cryosleep and immediately starts lusting after his ex.

[Bergmaniac]

His stamina was always quite overrated, in his prime when he was carrying a massive offensive load he was coasting on defence a lot. And as already said he has always been better as a POA defender than off-ball where his decisionmaking is often questionable.

Also he still has his star reputation which sometimes helps him get away with a level of physicality most defenders get whistled for.

[Spicy P]

He’s more focused now and stopped worrying about stealing defensive rebounds from his teammates to pad his stats.

[OkcSinceSGA]

OP comes out of cryosleep and immediately starts lusting after his ex.

I have the energy for two basketball wives. I watched OKC game and SGA clutch plays.

[MoneyTalks41890]

I'm just shocked OP's return wasn't initiated with a massive told you so post re SGA.

[OkcSinceSGA]

I'm just shocked OP's return wasn't initiated with a massive told you so post re SGA.

I’ve spent the last couple years doing it. I’ll have something for you guys soon lol. Stay tuned.

[clippertown]

Just goes to show how much an offensive mindset can impact on defensive capabilities. Russ is fighting to stay in the league. There are only so many layups that a player can miss before they are seen as a liability on the floor. Russ is unable to be the scorer he once was. He has been pushed to the bench for the first time in his career. He is not even a top 4 scorer on his current team.

This proves how amazing he is as a player. Known for his unstoppable offense, when he is forced to change his role completely, he is capable of adjusting to a support role and like every other aspect of his illustrious career - he is able to elevate his game.

[tsherkin]

I was told he was the worst player in the league and solely responsible for the Lakers failings

POA defense was never the crux of the argument against Westbrook, particularly as a Laker.

[Iwasawitness]

I was told he was the worst player in the league and solely responsible for the Lakers failings

I’m not sure who said he was the worst player in the league, but he was a key reason for the Lakers missing the playoffs. What we’re seeing from him now is a night and day difference.

[Ambrose]

I'll always give guys credit for adapting their games to help the team. He's been great as the energy off the bench guy for LAC. His defensive motor has been impressive. That does not invalidate previous complaints about him.