Russell Westbrook and the Timberwolves need each other

1. A chance to re-write his legacy.

There’s no question that the eleven-year veteran is the most expressive player in the league. From his fashion to his on-court fire, to the way he conducts himself with the media, his passion is rivaled only by the dominant style he plays with.

To many – such as national pundits Colin Cowherd, Ryen Russillo, and Bill Simmons – Westbrook is perceived to be a stat-padder whose teammates actively aid him in chasing triple-doubles.

And to others, Brodie is seen as a ball-dominant, high-usage, low-efficiency hothead whose teams have been perennial first or second-round exits from the playoffs. However, Russ can erase some of the knocks against him if he were to welcome a move to Minneapolis.

In doing so, Russ would accept a secondary role behind young stud Karl-Anthony Towns and in front of Andrew Wiggins. Westbrook could help cement KAT as a superstar and help Head Coach Ryan Saunders get the most out of Wiggins.

He would have the opportunity to spread the fiery spirit and passion he has for the game of basketball to both Towns and Wiggins, especially, all while mentoring young players such as Josh Okogie, Jarrett Culver, Noah Vonleh, and Jordan Bell.

By accepting a mentorship role and giving confidence to his younger teammates, while also being a huge contributor when he’s on the floor, he could shake the narrative that he is an ill-tempered guy who holds his role player teammates back with his authoritative presence and shot selection on the floor.

Since Oklahoma City traded James Harden, the Thunder have had two different head coaches, different front office members, a rotating door of various role players that haven’t stuck, and two different superstar players alongside him.

Oklahoma City has not made it out of the first round since the departure of Durant. In his final season with the Thunder, in the 2016 NBA Playoffs, they blew a 3-1 lead to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. This was in large part to Westbrook’s shaky slot selection and turnovers late in games.

If he came to Minnesota, he and KAT would immediately form one of the five best duos in the NBA and would be surrounded by role players with high motors that would feed off of Westbrook’s unwavering energy.

I believe that combination could land Minnesota in the top half of the Western Conference playoff bracket and ultimately lead to them getting past Brodie’s kryptonite: the first round of the playoffs.

If Westbrook allowed himself to be consumed by the culture of a new franchise that features an exciting young core, incredibly smart front office, and one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the NBA in Ryan Saunders, he would see his haters come around on him faster than he might think.