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Hornets.com 1-on-1: Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com November 22, 2008
Hornets.com: What is your assessment of the way you’ve played through the first four weeks of your rookie season? Westbrook: It’s been alright, but we aren’t winning. So that’s been tough. Hornets.com: What’s been the most difficult adjustment to make from college to the pros? Westbrook: Probably playing back-to-back games (like Friday and Saturday vs. the Hornets). There are a lot more games in the NBA. That’s one of the main things you have to get used to. Hornets.com: What areas of your game are you focusing on to improve as a rookie? Westbrook: Everything. I’m trying to learn every night. I’ve been watching a lot of film and see what I’ve been doing wrong, then trying to improve on that. Hornets.com: The player you are backing up, Earl Watson, is also a former UCLA Bruin. How much has he helped you in your adjustment to the NBA? Westbrook: I actually have known Earl for awhile, even before I went to UCLA. He’s taught me different things here and there. He’s helped me a lot. Hornets.com: You were one of three players from UCLA selected during the 2008 NBA Draft. What is your opinion of the starts that Kevin Love (Minnesota) and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Bucks) have had to their first seasons? Mbah a Moute wasn’t discussed much among rookies after being a second-round pick, but has opened some eyes recently. Westbrook: They’re doing some great things. I knew Kevin was going to be a great player. He’s so smart. Luc is a very strong rebounder and defender. He’s tough on both ends of the floor, and because of that, I knew he’d do well in this league. Hornets.com: What do you think are realistic goals for this team to accomplish this season? Westbrook: Win. We want to come out every night and play hard. Hornets.com: Were you surprised to hear about the firing of P.J. Carlesimo as head coach this morning? Westbrook: Yeah, but that’s (Thunder GM) Sam (Presti) and management’s decision. We (Oklahoma City players) don’t have anything to do with that.
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