Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti thinks Russell Westbrook is getting better, and his new role as the undisputed leader of the franchise is a reason why.
After Westbrook broke the single-season record for triple-doubles, Presti noted that, in his mind, his star guard is still getting better, with the circumstances of Kevin Durant’s departure being a catalyst for it.
“I think he’s getting better,” Presti told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on Sunday. “I think he’s become a better player. With players at that level, it’s generally going to happen in these small, incremental ways unless the circumstances change around you. In this case, the circumstances obviously changed. The team is different. It’s been a season of discovery for our team and our organization.”
Westbrook is doing things like this now, and might just win the MVP award. That doesn’t happen if Durant is still around. Sure, the Thunder would be better with him, but his departure has enabled Westbrook to set records left and right.
