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James Harden pick means Russell Westbrook can rest easy

 
By Berry Tramel | Published: June 26, 2009    Comment on this article Leave a comment


When David Stern announced the name, "James Harden,” groans ricocheted around The Oklahoman newsroom. Same with the Thunder draft party at Riverwind Casino, various Internet chats and probably all over Boomtown.

photo - NBA commissioner David Stern, left, poses Arizona State's James Harden, who was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
NBA commissioner David Stern, left, poses Arizona State's James Harden, who was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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But rest assured, somewhere in Los Angeles, Russell Westbrook smiled wider than the Santa Monica Freeway.

All that pillow talk from general manager Sam Presti? All those assurances from the Thunder that yes indeed, Westbrook is the Thunder’s point guard?

Not hollow words.

Ricky Rubio, the dashing Spaniard, the Ringo Starr lookalike, will take his no-look passes and Latin flair elsewhere. Westbrook is the Thunder quarterback of the present and the future.

Which is perfectly fine. Westbrook was one heck of a rookie point guard, and he’s going to get not only better, but much better.

"Our feelings on Russell have been consistent,” Presti said. "Russell’s a competitive, tenacious, young, athletic player who we feel great about. We couldn’t be more thrilled with what he’s doing.”

Rubio would have been a fun addition to the Ford Center, with passes getting dunked or flying into the seats. One of the beauties of Westbrook is his versatility; he could slide over and perform off the ball.

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