Brooks: Russ' impact on youngsters gives Wizards path toward contention

Russell Westbrook's first season with the Washington Wizards has been a mixed bag.

The 32-year-old's statistical output remains eye-catching. Through 20 games, Westbrook already ranks second on the franchise's all-time triple-double leaderboard with eight. However, his scoring efficiency has continued to slide, thanks in part to the wear and tear of playing a physical style over his career.

Still, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks, who previously coached Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008-15, believes the guard's leadership will have a lasting impact on the team's young core.

"He's given us a pathway to how to be a championship level (team)," Brooks told ESPN's Royce Young. "Our young guys need it. Sometimes they don't understand how hard he is on them, but they're going to realize it in years to come that that's how you start your career off the right way, by being around good players."

More than half of the players appearing in Washington's games this season have fewer than three full seasons of experience to their credit. When Westbrook helped lead the Thunder to a Finals appearance in 2012, his current rookie teammate Deni Avdija was 11 years old.

Brooks lauded Westbrook's workmanlike approach as one of the qualities rubbing off on the Wizards' younger players.

"He has set the tone," Brooks said. "Our guys are much more in tune (with) how to prepare to win a game. He's led us so many ways I don't even want to get into. Our players know it. Ask any player on this team. They know he means business.

"This is not a hobby for him. A lot of times in this league, people look at it as a hobby. It's fun, we get to do something we love. I get that. But it's still your job, your livelihood, how you represent your organization, your city, your family, your coaches. And Russell does that at the highest level I've seen."