Earlier in the week, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni expressed doubt that superstar guard Russell Westbrook would be available for Houston’s first scrimmage this Friday at the NBA “bubble” in Florida.
Westbrook has been away from the team while recovering from COVID-19, and D’Antoni had yet to see him in person.
On Wednesday, with Westbrook having arrived and cleared the league’s safety protocols, D’Antoni sounded more open to the possibility of Westbrook scrimmaging Friday versus Toronto — if he wants to.
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D’Antoni said he would leave the decision up to Westbrook, upon consultation with the team’s medical staff. His comments:
We’ll wait the next two practices to see where he is. Whatever he wants is cool. He knows his body. We’re not talking about a normal athlete, this is a super athlete. Sometimes I underestimate. … I’m hoping he will play, but I’m not for sure, and I’m okay if he doesn’t.
For his part, Westbrook said he believes he’s in good physical condition after his time with the coronavirus. However, the 31-year-old condeded that there could be some initial basketball rust due to his quarantine.
“I’ve been at home, trying to be productive,” Westbrook said. “I obviously wasn’t able to get on the basketball floor, but I was trying to stay active and do as much conditioning as I could.”
Westbrook’s media session came before Wednesday’s team practice, which was his first with the Rockets since his arrival in Florida. As a result, Westbrook was non-committal when asked whether he planned to play in two days, since he had yet to be on the court with his teammates.
“I don’t have a feel for whether I can make a layup at this point,” Westbrook told reporters while laughing. “I’ve got to start there, and then I’ll work my way from there.”
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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.
“Before I had to quarantine, I was in pretty good shape, so I should be alright,” Westbrook said regarding his current playing condition. “When I’m back at 100 percent, you’ll know.”
Russell Westbrook on how long it’ll take for him to get to where he wants to be in terms of playing shape, says “I’ll take one day at a time. Just be thankful and blessed to be able to go back on the floor and compete ..When I’m back 100% you will know.” pic.twitter.com/bjkY1rN9T8
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 22, 2020
D’Antoni said Wednesday that Westbrook still looked to be in good shape, and he anticipated that the nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 MVP would participate in “at least 80 percent” of the team’s practice.
Teammate and friend P.J. Tucker said that Westbrook’s return to the practice court would provide a significant boost to the team.
“Practice has been at a pretty high level, but I know today it’s about to be through the roof,” Tucker said of Westbrook’s arrival.
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