Russell Westbrook is the latest of MVP candidates to chime in on resting players during national broadcasts after former teammate James Harden did so on Monday. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard claimed that it's all about the competition for him, and he won't get that by resting.
Marquee players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are often rested in efforts to preserve their joints and not over-exert them in back-to-back situations, especially toward the end of the season. James has disapproved of commissioner Adam Silver‘s memo to the owners, after it was obtained by ESPN — claiming owners shouldn't have a say of when their athletes play, given that most aren't in touch with the day-to-day grind of the regular season.
“That's their opinion,” Westbrook told ESPN's Fred Katz. “I like to play basketball, so I like to go out and compete and have fun.”
Following a few severe knee injuries in his past, the triple-double monster has relished every opportunity to go out on the court and give it his all this season, as he's shown with averages of 31.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists in 34.7 minutes per game.
“For me, I look at it differently from being hurt, and missing a lot of games. I embrace every moment. I have an opportunity to play basketball, and I'm enjoying any time I can to get on the floor and play. That's just how I see it.”
The issue of rest was brought to the forefront after two straight ABC Saturdays in which a team's stars was rested as a result of a back-to-back scenario.