NBA: 10 Early-Season Storylines To Keep An Eye On
By Brady Rippon
1. Russell Westbrook is almost averaging a triple-double!
That’s right! The most popular hot take of the entire offseason has come to fruition. With Kevin Durant moving on to more golden pastures, many boldly claimed Russell Westbrook would become just the second player ever to average a triple double over an entire season.
Westbrook has not disappointed, currently averaging an impossible 33.1 points, 9.7 assists, and 9.0 rebounds per game. The number that really jumps here is the rebounds. Westbrook is pulling down a full rebound per game more than Steven Adams, the team’s starting center.
A guard, even one as explosive as Westbrook, won’t average double-digit rebounds over an entire season. Centers and power forwards are able to net so many boards in part because they are already stationed in the paint. When Westbrook skies for rebounds, he darts from the perimeter and leaps over big men with a full head of steam. Westbrook’s total workload is so intense that he would be smart to dial these moves back some. His energy would be better spent elsewhere.
Though, Westbrook has never been one to dial back his athleticism. For better or worse, Westbrook will more often than not crash into the paint for contested boards. It’s just in his nature. Even so, house money is on Westbrook falling short on the triple double. Yet, there is a more interesting, yet less publicized feat which he is in line to compete for with his former backcourt mate…