NBA: The Derrick Rose and Russel Westbrook connection

Off ball threat

NBA All-Star Game 2018

Paul George re-signed long-term with the Thunder this offseason. Melo left in the offseason too - a notable addition considering his unimpressive defensive performance on the floor. The team has improved, and there's a new defensive identity to the team.

Now, as someone with a career percentage of low 30s in 3 point shooting, some would expect Westbrook to do what he does best - drive inside and kick out the ball to more distinguished shooters.

He doesn't do that. He takes 3s - at a 29% clip. He does move more off the ball - he has to, now that OKC has three ball handlers in George and Schroder - and his movement is clean and crisp, but that 3 point percentage is inexcusable.

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Minnesota

Timberwolves v Dallas Mavericks

Rose, meanwhile, was considered washed. However, he jacked up some major number of shots in the gym this offseason, worked on his three-pointers after being armed with the knowledge that he could no longer be any team's first option, and has become a real threat off the ball too.

He is shooting the ball at a career-high .485. That's more than some Wolves starters' total FG percentage. He's so effective that he buried seven threes against the Lakers. The recent Wolves - Rockets game had Houston throwing double teams at him to force him to adapt - and he just started facilitating instead of shooting.

Westbrook needs to work on his off-ball movement and skills, and that's facts.