The turnaround is real for Russell Westbrook
Raphielle Johnson explores Russell Westbrook's season which has seen him turn the corner after an ugly start, to producing quality stats off the bench with the Lakers.
Video Transcript
- After a brutal start this season, Russell Westbrook is closing in on a spot in the top 100 in 9 cap formats. Darren Hamm's decision to move him to the bench has paid off, with Westbrook averaging 18.9 points, 5 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1 steal, 1/2 a block and 2 3-pointers over his last 8 games, which have all been bench appearances. And he shot the ball reasonably well during this stretch, making 47.3 of his shots in the field and 80.6 from the foul line.
The one concern, as has been the case for much of Westbrook's career, is a turnover count, as he's averaging 4.5 per game during that 8-game stretch. But at this stage, the positives outweigh the negatives. With LeBron James currently sidelined with a strained groin, Westbrook is a player of even greater importance to the Lakers, despite his still coming off the bench. Fantasy managers did not panic after Westbrook's poor start should be pleased with the recent improvement in his play.