2008 NBA Draft Preview: Russell Westbrook

Hawthorne, California, is home to the University of California Los Angeles' star point guard, Russell Westbrook. Russell has improved greatly since he has been playing for UCLA. He has also lengthened his resume with the addition of many impressive honors. He was a member of the 2008 collegeinsider.com All Defensive Team. Russell was given the great honor of being the 2008 Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year. He is also one of the many basketball players from around the world that will be considered as part of the 2008 NBA Draft.

There are numerous reasons why NBA scouts are interested in Russell Westbrook. Russell is an outstanding defender. He is extremely athletic and he is also a phenomenal player in transition. Russell's work ethic is unmatched by any of the other players that will be part of the 2008 NBA Draft. Russell is also a team player and very unselfish on and off the basketball court.

Russell Westbrook is just an average ball handler and average shooter but these weaknesses are not immense when compared to the greatness of his overall game. Russell could also use improvement in his midrange games and sometimes struggles in the half court. Lastly, through work and more play Russell needs to improve his ability to create his own shots. Russell is a very good all around player that would most likely be an asset to any of the NBA teams.

Many sports related websites have released their 2008 NBA mock drafts, which contain their predictions of how the 2008 NBA Draft will turn out. NBC Sports has listed Russell Westbrook as No. 7 in their mock draft and believe that he will be going to the Clippers. While, collegehoopsnet.com has predicted that Russell Westbrook will be drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats as No. 9 in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft.