FOCUS ON NEWSPOT
All-Star guard makes no mention of his one season with Rockets atWashington introduction
Russell Westbrook is excited to be in Washington.
Russell Westbrook answered and expanded on every question and next question. He repeatedly described himself as “happy,” or “super excited.”
He discussed his style of play and passion, his career and community work, shared how he felt about joining the Washington Wizards, reuniting with coach Scott Brooks and partnering in another star guard backcourt with Bradley Beal.
When the topic of the Rockets came up, however, Westbrook said little. Much as with his career and his one season inHouston, he quickly moved on.
“Well, I think, you know — I’m here in Washington,” Westbrook said. “Happy about where I’m at and understanding how important it is to focus on where I’m at, focus on the team, the organization, the people that are here because that’swho I amas a person. That’s where I’m at.”
In a long introductory news conference, Westbrook made no mention of his season with the Rockets. He cited former teammate James Harden once, though that was while describing the culture he, Harden, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green established in Oklahoma City.
To whatever degree he is in Washington rather than Houston because it was his preference or the Rockets’ desire to replace him in their backcourt with John Wall did not seem to matter.
Westbrook, 32, sounded thrilled to be with the Wizards — his third team in three seasons — and reveled in playing in a backcourt with Beal, the NBA’s secondscorer after Harden last season, and in the work ethic he had seen in his first two days in Washington.
But he especially seemed happy to play for Brooks again.
“When Iwas young, he allowed me to make mistakes, gave me an opportunity,” saidWestbrook, 32. “To be honest, a lot of coaches and a lot of situations … you may not get the opportunity to go on the floor andmakemistakes, have an opportunity to kind of play through mistakes. Scotty allowed me to do that, allowed me to get better.
“I always kept in contact with him and his family because we created a relationship, not just at work, but a friendship. Now, being able to revisit that is great.”
Westbrook attended the Wizards’ practice Saturday, but Brooks said the “paperwork” related to the trade was not complete in time for him to warm up sufficiently to participate. He, as with Wall with the Rockets, is scheduled to practice Sunday.
“We’re excited,” Brooks said. “I know what he brings. I’m excited what he’s going to bring to our organization, to our program, leadership, that work ethic, his daily habits on and off the court. I was going to go old school and start singing Peaches & Herb, ‘Reunited.’
“He loves the game, loves his teammates and I know firsthand what he’s going to bring.”
TheWizards failed to make the playoffs the past two seasons and have not reached the conference finals since 1978-79. But after many seasons in Oklahoma City and one in Houston in which his teams were considered contenders, Westbrook said his own expectations have not changed.
“Every year I come into with one objective, with one goal and that’s to strive towin a championship,” Westbrook said. “When there’s only one champion, other teams fail. That’s kind of how I look at it. The mindset and mentality is not even remotely different.”
Yet, Westbrook disputed the notion that his career résumé lacks only a championship.
“I don’t think if you don’t have a championship on your résumé, that’s the only thing you play for … especially formeas I look at legacy and understanding what that means,” Westbrook said. “I have a different perspective. That legacy forme is based on howmany people I impact and inspire along my journey. I believe God blessed me with this platform to play basketball, yes, but also to impact and inspire so many people across the world. And being in the community, understanding what it’s like to be in my position is something that I take very, very seriously.
“Asmuch energy and effort as I give to the game, I give back to the community. To me, that’s more powerful.”
For all that had changed, that had not. But when he was asked what about him has been misrepresented or misunderstood, Westbrook laughed and said, “Where do you want me to start?
“Listen, I think the thing about that is that 90 percent, 100 percent is not even true. Because a lot of times the things that are made up, people don’t actually know me to be able to say anything about me or what I’m about or what I believe in. So, a lot of it kind of goes in one (ear) and out the other. Obviously, I’m not the easiest guy to understand, to watch play.
“Me as a teammate, me as a person, as a father, that’s the most important part to me. My staying strong on that, to continue to uplift my teammates, organization, inspire people around the world, that’s all I’m about, impact and inspire.”
Westbrook said he is often misunderstood because of “how I play.” He has famously said his only friend on the court is “Spalding.” That, too, had not changed.
“When I’m on the floor, I don’t have any friends,” Westbrook said. “I ain’t got time to shake hands and all that and I’m never changing. Off the floor, I’ll continue to give back. I’ll continue to serve our community, continue to serve the underserved, find ways to change our system and our society.”
With that, for all that had changed, much had not. But whatever was left unanswered about how he felt about playing the Rockets, he made it clear how he feels now, saying “I’m just happy.”