• Home
  • FIBA
  • EuroLeague
  • NBA/NCAA
  • National Leagues
  • Podcast
  • Features
  • More
  • Contact

Grimag

  • FIBA
  • EuroLeague
  • NBA/NCAA
  • National Leagues
  • Podcast
  • Features
  • More

Russell Westbrook’s Loyalty Costs Him in Today’s NBA

Everyone knows one person whose loyalty can be both a blessing and a curse. This can come in the form of a person who stays in relationships for too long or who stays too long in a job that isn’t good for them. In the NBA this person exists as well, coming in the form of Russell Westbrook. One of the most exciting players in the league, Westbrook’s loyalty has burned him multiple times, as his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder was marred by other players failing to match his loyalty.
The story of Westbrook’s misguided loyalty started when he thought that Kevin Durant were going to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder and challenge for championships together. He was reassured by Durant that they would remain an intact unit with the team, even after their heartbreaking loss in the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors after relinquishing a 3-1 series lead. However, after the Thunder blew that lead, Durant set the wheels in motion to move to the Warriors and bolster their dynasty.

Westbrook’s loyalty came back to hurt him again this offseason, when he expected Paul George to remain with the Thunder so that they could attempt to improve on their first-round playoff exit from last postseason. Instead, George left via trade to go to the Los Angeles Clippers and join Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. The move sent shockwaves through the league, yes, but it also shocked Westbrook who is without a worthy co-star for the first time in his career.
The move to the Clippers made perfect sense for George, as he went from a team that couldn’t win a first-round series to a team that may be the favorite to win the Finals this coming season. It seems certain that NBA picks will favor the Clippers over the Thunder going forward. Westbrook will give maximum effort in those games, but it might not be enough for him and the rest of the Thunder roster to overcome the talent disadvantage that they will be facing in those matchups. Again, Westbrook’s loyalty will be harmful to him professionally in these games.

Of course, Westbrook’s loyalty isn’t always a bad thing. His closeness and loyalty to late rapper Nipsey Hussle allowed him to get close with one of the more inspiring people in all of entertainment. It speaks to his loyalty as a person both on and off the court but, again, personal loyalty can’t hurt Westbrook the way that sticking with the Thunder through thick and thin did.

Unfortunately for players like Westbrook, the NBA is a business and both the players and management are all too aware of that. The key for players like Westbrook is to make moves that will benefit him before it is too late and before he is stuck on a roster that has no chance to win a championship. In the future, expect Westbrook to be less loyal and to look out for his own professional needs.

Jul 18, 2019ballineurope
Powered by Sidelines
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Google+
How Do Top Euroleague Coaches Measure Up To The NBA?Mr Fredette goes to Athens
You Might Also Like
 
Watch out, the girls are coming!
 
From Russia with Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

ballineurope
2 years ago NBA/NCAAHouston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook
Recent Posts
Tralee Warriors celebrate after beating Éanna in the Irish Super League semi-final
Calixte shows his class to send Warriors to title game
1 month ago
Still life in Kaunas
2 months ago
It’s a great time to bet on the Razorbacks
2 months ago
Categories
Recent Posts
Calixte shows his class to send Warriors to title game
Still life in Kaunas
It’s a great time to bet on the Razorbacks
Tags
EuroLeagueNBAYouTubeCSKA MoscowFC BarcelonaReal MadridFIBAOlympiacosZalgiris KaunasPanathinaikosACBMaccabi Tel AvivSpainTeam SpainLos Angeles LakersRicky RubioMontepaschi SienaPartizan BelgradePau GasolLithuaniaTeam LithuaniaTurkeyGermanyTeam FranceCaja Laboral BaskoniaItalyLietuvos RytasFenerbahce ÜlkerJuan Carlos NavarroIrelandSan Antonio SpursTony ParkerDirk Nowitzkibasketball highlightsMinnesota TimberwolvesTeam RussiaFranceTeam USASerbiaEuroBasket 2011ALBA BerlinGreeceBrose Baskets BambergEuroCupEuroleague 2011-12
Share
0
Facebook
ABOUT
BallinEurope.com was founded in September 2007 by Christophe Ney (who now runs the excellent scouting-themed website European Prospects) and Tobias Seitz, both then bloggers for FIBA.com with over 10 years’ worth of experience in the professional basketball world each. The mission then was to “provide a very unique perspective of Basketball in and about Europe.”
Most Commented
Why Andrei Kirilenko and CSKA Moscow must win the Euroleague
10 years ago
180 Comments
Euroleague Transfers Table 2008/2009
14 years ago
168 Comments
A week in highlights: Spanish block party, mighty Milos, Utah rap and some dude dunking in L.A.
11 years ago
139 Comments
Archives
Get In Touch

Email: emmetryan@gmail.com

Name: Emmet Ryan

2014 © BallinEurope. Join JCI Dublin