NBA Oklahoma City Thunder

5 Goals Russell Westbrook Should Set For 2014-15 Season

5 Goals Russell Westbrook Should Set For 2014-15

Russell Westbrook
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

After every postseason failure, the majority of people like to point their fingers at the easiest target to blame in Russell Westbrook. Although the issues are far deeper than Westbrook, there surely are some areas Westbrook can use some improvements, and here are a few of the more important ones heading into 2014-15.

5. Carry the Team In Durant's Absence

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carry the Team In Durant's Absence

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

As you may know by now, the alpha dog of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, will be out for the first 6-8 weeks of the season due to a Jones fracture in his right foot. This will leave the Thunder's success during the first stretch of the season hanging on the shoulders of Westbrook, and his ability to keep the Thunder among the top of the standings at during this stretch will be crucial.

4. Make His Teammates Better

Russell Westbrook
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

4. Make His Teammates Better

Russell Westbrook
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

With Durant out, other guys will be required to step up and they will look to Westbrook to make their lives a bit easier. When you’re the best player on the court, you’re expected to make those around you better, and this is something Westbrook will need to improve on in 2014-15.

3. Become a Better Facilitator

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

3. Become a Better Facilitator

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Despite averaging 6.9 assists last season, there is plenty of room for Westbrook to improve as a facilitator. Primarily, he should look to find his teammates more often, rather than heaving up 20-foot jumpers early in the shot clock. Without Durant, Westbrook is going to need some help, and it’s up to him to make sure his supporting cast gets the ball where they need it.

2. Cut Down On Turnovers

Russell Westbrook
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cut Down On Turnovers

Russell Westbrook
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

On a team that has championship aspirations season after season, having the star point guard and floor general turning the ball over 3.8 times per game on average simply isn’t feasible.

1. Improve In Each Shooting Category

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

1. Improve In Each Shooting Category

Russell Westbrook
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Westbrook shot .437 percent from the field, .318 percent from beyond the arc and .826 percent from the free throw line. As such a prolific scorer, if Westbrook can improve in each shooting category, it could make the difference in a few wins, which is crucial in what will surely become a close race down the stretch for playoff spots.

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