Houston Rockets star point guard Russell Westbrook has an interesting perspective when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
Westbrook, as part of a marketing campaign with his sponsor (Jordan Brand), tweeted out a reminder to “play for the world” by playing inside in an effort to slow the spread of the illness.
Ever the father figure, Westbrook included a picture of he and his young son playing on a toy hoop indoors:
This is what we do in our house to stay active. Reminder to play for the world. Stay inside, play inside. #playinside #playfortheworld pic.twitter.com/aFKfcy733n
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) March 28, 2020
The message is certainly one of positivity and uniformity. Indeed, the coronavirus has already decimated countries around the world and altered ways of life, which has far more drastic implications than the mere suspension of sporting leagues.
Of course, this is an unprecedented situation for athletes everywhere, and NBA players like Westbrook certainly yearn for the opportunity to finish out the season. However, the players have also been transparent in their awareness of the severity of the situation, acknowledging they will not have that opportunity if citizens around the world ignore precautionary health measures.
The current work stoppage has disrupted the rhythm and flow of play, and it must be especially frustrating for Westbrook, who was playing at an incredibly high level prior to suspension.
Westbrook was excelling in Houston's revamped small-ball system, repeatedly attacking the rim with ferocity and exploiting individual matchups on the perimeter. The Rockets were thriving as a result.
Houston went 7-2 in their first nine games with the small-ball lineup. Though they succumbed to a four-game losing streak at the start of month, they got back on track with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 10, with Westbrook scoring 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting.
Westbrook and co. hope to return to the floor eventually. Until then, he will continue to advocate for various public health measures and self-isolation, as well as helping out those in need.
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