Prior to Wednesday’s practice, Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook told reporters that he wasn’t sure if he could make a layup.
He made that comment in jest, but it’s understandable as to why. Like the rest of the Rockets, Westbrook hasn’t played in an NBA game since the 2019-20 season was suspended more than four months ago. But unlike his teammates, he had also yet to go through a single group practice at the “bubble” in Florida, where the league will restart later this month.
That’s because Westbrook had to self-quarantine for at least 14 days following his positive test for COVID-19 in early July. Even though he was largely without symptoms, the league’s safety protocols to prevent viral spread forced the All-Star guard to stay home and away from basketball courts — both in Florida, and everywhere else.
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But only a few minutes into his debut practice, the Rockets posted a video of Westbrook exploding through the lane for a dunk. One person who wasn’t surprised was backcourt mate and close friend James Harden. In comments to reporters Thursday, “The Beard” explained why:
Russell is, like, a creative person. You’d think in quarantine, he might be out of shape since he hasn’t been able to work out. But he’s faster than everybody still on the court. He’s still out there dunking. He’s Russell. I’ve known him for so long, he’s just one of those guys that can just get up and doesn’t really have to stretch. He can just go right out there and run and dunk. He looked really good.
Even after just one practice, Harden said Westbrook was already a game-changer for the Rockets. His analysis:
He was aggressive. He just changes the game, especially in transition. He’s able to get into gaps and create opportunities obviously for himself finishing at the rim, but also kicking out for threes for our team. It’s definitely an aspect that we’ve been missing.
A 2020 All-Star, Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game in a brilliant debut season in Houston. His 47.4% shooting clip is the best of his 12-year NBA career, and his scoring and efficiency metrics have progressively improved throughout the year.
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The Rockets still haven’t committed to playing Westbrook in Friday’s opening scrimmage versus Toronto, which will occur only two days after he was cleared to resume all activities. Head coach Mike D’Antoni said Thursday that he would leave that decision “up to Russell and the medical staff.” But even if Westbrook sits Friday, he will still have scrimmages on Sunday and Tuesday to continue building his way back before Houston’s 2019-20 regular season resumes on July 31.
“He just now has to work on his timing, and get himself ready, basketball-wise,” D’Antoni said of Westbrook’s outlook. “We have enough time to do that before the playoffs. It’s really good to have him back.”
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