Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Russell Westbrook is convinced after a two-game stint in Spain that European teams run their offenses 10 times better than NBA teams do. Westbrook noted that compared to European teams, NBA teams are not as difficult to defend.
However, Westbrook said that European teams move around a lot because they don't have as much talent and needed to do things differently to be able to score, Fox Sports reported. The Thunder lost to Real Madrid, 137-142, but went on to beat Barcelona, 92-89.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said they were more ready to deal with the off-ball movement employed by the Europeans in the second game. He added that they were able to adjust with the pace and the rhythm and of European offense in the second game.
Without Kevin Durant, who jumped ship to the Golden State Warriors, the Thunder are leaning on Westbrook and newcomer Victor Oladipo to carry the team to the playoffs.Westbrook, who got an $8 million salary increase to add another year to his contract, is expected to average a triple-double in the 2016-17 season.
The 27-year-old Westbrook, who represents the Jordan brand, will be presented by NBA great Michael Jordan into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Nov. 17, according to Bleacher Reports. He expressed his gratitude by stating that it is "definitely a huge honor" for Jordan to travel to Oklahoma for the occasion. The Thunder superstar is also expected to someday join Jordan in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, provided if he is able to sustain his frenetic style of play for more years.
Westbrook is also a fashion icon. popular for his eclectic attire. Esquire noted that he has created his own line of eyeglasses called Westbrook Frames and his denim brand True Religion, that features bomber jacket and shirts emblazoned with the phrase "Why not?"
