Fansided

5 NBA stars with the most to prove this season

By Niccolo Hilgendorf

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan (left) instructs guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan (left) instructs guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Russell Westbrook

You know Westbrook can’t wait for this season to start. The man is one of the fiercest competitors in the league. The most terrifying thing about Westbrook is that he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, and almost eight assists last season while playing alongside Kevin Durant. It makes me shudder to think what he’s capable of when those extra 20 or so shot attempts get distributed around. If Westbrook can keep a good FG% and fix his late-game decision making issues, then the Thunder are going to be a team not even the Warriors want to face.

Westbrook is going to be on a mission to prove that he can win without Kevin Durant. OKC’s decision to keep Russ is an indicator that they are not ready to completely rebuild yet. But if he disappoints that could very well change, and we could see another big name in free agency soon.

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