Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will soon be back together again.
While touring Europe with Nike, Durant was asked about Westbrook’s return. Per Raúl Barrigón of Hoopshype (h/t ProBasketballTalk), Durant said he expects Westbrook to be back for the start of the season.
At a Nike&Foot Locker event in Barcelona (Spain), Kevin Durant said he expects Russell Westbrook to be ready for the start of the season.
— Raúl Barrigón (@BarriHoopsHype) September 9, 2013
Oklahoma City Thunder fans should be overjoyed. Westbrook was never not supposed to start the season, but after watching the Thunder get thoroughly pummeled by the Memphis Grizzlies without him, it’s encouraging to hear he’s on track to play opening night.
Westbrook suffered a torn meniscus against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs, then needed surgery. Without him, the Thunder were pushed to the brink by Harden’s Rockets, almost squandering a 3-0 series lead before finally prevailing in Game 6.
Then came the Grizzlies, clad with a ridiculous defense. Durant shouldered every burden there was on his own and, surprise, surprise, it wasn’t enough. Oklahoma City went down in five games.
Disclaimer: I find the Thunder one of the more compelling teams to watch. Their uptempo offense is great to see, and any time you don’t watch Durant, it’s an opportunity wasted. The same goes for Westbrook as well. So I would never wish any ill-will upon them. None at all.
Their postseason exit may have been a blessing in disguise, though. Losing is never satisfying. And it shouldn’t be. But perhaps we can cease with the “Westbrook being an offensive cancer” talk or whatever you want to call it. Clearly this team needs him. Durant no longer needs to tell us that. Down Russ, they couldn’t escape the second round. Hell, they barely made it out of the first.
While that’s an unsettling reminder that Durant can’t do everything on his own, it’s also proof that Westbrook is both good at what he does and an integral part of the team. He’ll always have those nights that make you shake your head, where every shot he takes seems ill-advised and caroms off the rim. Every player has those nights.
When push comes to shove, the good outweighs the bad. By far. Like it’s not even close. The Thunder need his playmaking, his energy sans the temper-tantrums and yeah, they need his over zealous offense. His dribble penetration is key to Oklahoma City’s attack. Its not as difficult to defend when Durant is the only one creating off the dribble. Reggie Jackson doesn’t have the same impact.
Not only that, the Thunder haven’t been making big moves this summer. Kevin Martin is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving the Thunder to find a third scorer from within. First it was James Harden. Then it was Martin. Now, who? Jackson? Perry Jones III? Jeremy Lamb? Kendrick Perkins (kidding)? Do they really want it to be Serge Ibaka?
I’d hazard that not even the Thunder know the answer to that question. Nor do they probably care much right now. Their greatest addition is Westbrook’s return. Together, he and Durant can keep the Thunder in the thick of a championship pursuit. Separate, the Thunder are who we saw them to be against the Grizzlies.
More than that third scorer, the Thunder need Westbrook. They need Durant. Together. Again. And it seems that’s just what they’re going to get or rather, exactly what they won’t have to do without come opening night.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
