Team USA endorses Westbrook

Every time Team USA gathers and takes on the best that the world has to offer, there's usually a breakout star.  The likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant have all raised their games to levels that were not to be matched during the Olympics and World Championships.  While speaking to AP writer Brian Mahoney, a couple of senior members of Team USA recently stated who they believe will be the breakout star this summer in London in the absence of Wade.

Kobe Bryant

“One of the things that D-Wade brought to our team in Beijing was he created extra possessions for us......He shot the passing lanes extremely well. He got a great amount of steals, which created a lot of easy run outs for us, and Russell's just as good at that.”

Kevin Durant

“D-Wade, he was the leading scorer of that team I think, and Russell can do the same thing.....He can score at will, he's so athletic, extend possessions for us with his offensive rebounding, his defense. So we're looking forward to having him out there.”

Coach K

“There's that potential that Russell can do that......I think Russell's a great player. It baffles me how people can be so critical of him. I think what he does is absolutely sensational. His ball pressure, his offensive rebounding, his athleticism is off the charts.”