Shining start
Westbrook exceeds expectations

ORLANDO, Fla. – Russell Westbrook inbounded the ball himself, and within about five seconds it was off his fingertips and through the rim on the court’s other end.
A soft, but audible “oooooh” from scouts and NBA operatives filled the gym. It has been that kind of summer league for the speedy, 6-foot-3 former UCLA guard who turned pro after his sophomore year.
Westbrook was almost certain to be a lottery pick, but few analysts had him going as high as No. 4 overall. Lucky for him, no one but the former SuperSonics mattered. Early on, it’s looking like they were right.
Westbrook averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 assists and only 1.5 turnovers in four summer league exhibition games – playing as well or better than just about any prospect in Orlando. His competition included No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose, who struggled in two games before sitting out the rest of the week with knee tendinitis. Rose, the only point guard taken ahead of Westbrook, averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 assists and four turnovers.
“I knew (Westbrook) was going to come in here and play well,” Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant said. “I’m excited to play with him next year. He’s a fun player to watch, and he’s even funner to play with.”
For Westbrook, who won’t turn 20 until November, it has been a fast and steep climb. He was overshadowed in college by point guard Darren Collison, who has played in three UCLA Final Four appearances, and teammate Kevin Love, drafted No. 5 by the Memphis Grizzlies.
That’s right after Westbrook was taken – not bad for a guy who didn’t immediately hire an agent so he could stay in college if it appeared he’d be picked lower than No. 20. But Westbrook wasn’t as shocked as everyone else when he ended up being a top-five pick.
“I worked as hard as any player in this draft, maybe even harder,” he said. “So I don’t think I was surprised at all.”
Westbrook plays taller than he looks and can even block a shot here and there. But the most dominating aspect of his game is persistence. Westbrook is the kind of player whose hands are always in the passing lane, who’s always looking to swipe a lazy inbound pass.
It’s that kind of attitude that drew Westbrook to UCLA in the first place, even though he knew he’d be playing out of position or behind established guards like Collison. But just because Westbrook often played shooting guard in college, don’t doubt he can run an NBA offense.
“Some people say I can’t play the point,” he said. “I’ve been playing point all my life. I’ve been used to that, and it’s never been a problem for me.”
“I’m excited for (Westbrook) and for our team,” Durant said. “We’re trying to move up to the next level.”