Russell Westbrook injury: Thunder star backed to recover and go LeBron James distance
RUSSELL WESTBROOK only has a finite amount of time left in basketball due to his injuries.
That is according to former NBA star Stephen Jackson.
Westbrook is missing tonight’s season opener against back-to-back NBA Champions Golden State Warriors.
He is still suffering from an injury he suffered earlier last month on his knee.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star underwent surgery on the knee in September, which forced him out of the preseason schedule.
After missing preseason, he will now also sit out the season opener, with no return date confirmed.
Jackson reassured fans that the injury will not have too much of an impact, comparing the 29-year-old to LeBron James.
“He’ll be 30 this year, so he’s still young,” he said.
“(He has played) 11 seasons, that’s not long.
“You see LeBron still going strong, I think Russ can play at this level for at least three more years.
“Two with an average of triple-doubles, but three more at a high level.
“That energy and passion he plays with, you can’t teach
“You have to be born with that and have that in you to play with that passion, play harder than everybody else and try and get triple-doubles.
“That’s something that he has that separates him with a lot of other point guards, and that’s what makes him the best.”
Jackson then explained that once Westbrook does recover from his injury, it will not be long before he is back to his brilliant best.
“It’s going to be good to see him come back after this injury,” Jackson said.
“He’s an animal.
“He’s one of those guys that is going to give his all, on and off the court.
“So I’m excited to see what he is going to do this year.”