Thunder GM defends Russell Westbrook after tough playoffs
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has been the main subject of criticism after his team lasted just five games against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was made even worse by the fact that Westbrook lost his individual battle with his Portland counterpart Damian Lillard.
Westbrook’s shooting and off-court mannerisms have come under criticism, but Thunder GM Sam Presti firmly stood by his star guard on Monday while admitting that there are a few things they’d like to see him do differently.
Sam Presti when asked about Russell Westbrook: pic.twitter.com/UlQpW9kKhw
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) April 29, 2019
The Thunder are committed to Westbrook long-term, but even they would probably admit that his shooting failed them and his attitude toward the media created an unnecessary distraction. They have built their franchise around him and are not about to back down on that, but it’s clear from Presti’s words they’d like him to tweak his approach to certain things and are working with him on that.
