Russell Westbrook - Down but never out

OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 14: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 14, 2013 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Whenever you think about the Steve Nashs, Rajon Rondos, Ricky Rubios of the basketball fraternity, the things that pop in your head are the amazing dribbling ability, the smooth cross-overs, behind the back dribble and some breath-taking plays that just simply makes you fall in love with this beautiful game.

But over the years, we have seen some changes in the way that this game is played. For eg. we have seen LeBron James of the Miami Heat bringing the ball up the court and making up plays. That is a 6’8” player playing as a Point Guard (not the image of a Point Guard you had in mind, eh?)

One such player that many a pundits do not associate as a PG is Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder. There is something in the manner he plays which has redefined the way this game is played.

Being drafted from UCLA in 2008, where he played with the now NBA players such as Kevin Love and Darren Collision, he was usually used as an off-the-bench player and was specially brought on for his speed and athleticism along with a great defensive ability. In his first year, he was originally a backup point guard to Darren Collision but when Collision got injured in the 2007-08 season, Westbrook grabbed the opportunity by the scruff of its neck and he played a total of 39 games averaging 4.3 assists per game and 12.7 PPG. He was then drafted by the then Seattle Supersonics.

Having come into the NBA, Westbrook never played like a Point Guard. He is much more attacking in his approach. With a great burst of speed and tremendous athleticism, he has no fear in taking on the big man to approach the rim. This fact is quite eminent from his stats from last season where he managed to get 23.2 PPG while shooting at around 44%.

The fact that he is more of a shooting guard than a point guard has been discussed time and time again. Whatever the final verdict may be, there is no denying the fact that he has brought along with him a more attacking intent for his style of play, which adds to the dynamic of the game. Although he lacks the creativity of a play-maker, he more than makes up for it by those penetrating lay ups and rim-rattling dunks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are no doubt a championship contending team and Westbrook will certainly play his part as he did in the previous five seasons. Often overshadowed by the fan favourite Kevin Durant, Russel has now entered a league of his own. For a guy who had played 394 continuous games before that knee injury, he is a player that can make or break it for the Thunder.