Why Russell Westbrook goes No. 1 in 2008 NBA redraft | Mussatto's Minutes
This week brings an all-Russell Westbrook edition of Mussatto’s Minutes as part of our continuing coverage of his retirement.
In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics selected UCLA guard Russell Westbrook as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft. The decision, like much of Westbrook's career, was controversial. NBA commissioner David Stern's announcement left fans and analysts surprised. Dick Vitale, a well-known college basketball figure, commented, "It doesn't make sense.
Seattle will look back and realize they made a big, big mistake." Kevin Love, an available option, would have been a great fit for the team. However, general manager Sam Presti believed in Westbrook's potential. He had targeted the player from early in the draft, stating, "He is a competitor, and he is the ultimate teammate."
Westbrook wore a Sonics hat during the draft, but his rookie season marked the team's first in Oklahoma City. This week marks an all-Westbrook edition of Mussatto's Minutes, as part of the ongoing coverage of his retirement.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
