National Basketball Association

Russell Westbrook: The NBA's Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Russell Westbrook has a lot to prove this season. All eyes will be on him as he looks to reshape the league.

When Russell Westbrook signed a contract extension on Aug. 4, Oklahoma City Thunder fans rejoiced. The anxiety ran high as they envisioned a season similar to Cleveland the year after LeBron James went to South Beach.

Now that the dust has settled and the season is just over a month away, the excitement is high within the Thunder fan base. Westbrook will be the captain and the floor general to a team that has a lot of talent.

As Westbrook takes center stage in the NBA, his game will be subject to more scrutiny. After all, there are two types of Westbrook thanks to a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde style of play.

The Dr. Jekyll is when he plays under control, getting teammates involved and being a lockdown defender. When Westbrook takes fewer than 25 shots, has at least 10 dimes and grabs around five rebounds, he’s the MVP.

Westbrook has the potential to play like Isiah Thomas — he can play smart and savvy. As a result, his teammates will improve and continue to play well, especially Steven Adams.

Playing under control is a continuous challenge for Westbrook. Thunder head coach Billy Donovan has worked with Westbrook to improve and mold his style of play. However, there are times when Westbrook becomes Mr. Hyde.

The Mr. Hyde version of Westbrook is the closest thing anyone has seen to Kobe Bryant. He completely takes over the game and becomes a one-man wrecking crew. Sometimes, he makes questionable shots and leads the Thunder to victory. Other times, he is the reason for their defeat.

Take Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, for example. Westbrook shot 7-for-21 for the game. He missed nine of his first 10 shots before halftime. In the third quarter, Westbrook scored 19 of the Thunder’s 38 points, and OKC would go on to win, 108-102.

Kevin Durant seemed to be the only one who could calm Westbrook. He would help Westbrook go from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll. This is due to he and Durant playing together for so many years. With Durant gone, one has to wonder who will help Westbrook calm down when he becomes Mr. Hyde.

These types of games are few and far between for Westbrook. They are known to happen when the supporting cast is having an off night. His desire to win rivals that of Michael Jordan and Kobe. If Andre Roberson, Victor Oladipo or Enes Kanter aren’t hitting shots, he’ll take over.

Both styles of play will be beneficial for the Thunder this season, It’s likely we could see Westbrook mimic Kobe’s 2006 season. Regardless of how the Thunder do this season, Westbrook will be the key to any and all success they have.