Russell Westbrook could be back in an Oklahoma City Thunder uniform in as little as two weeks, according to ProBasketballTalk.com.
The website reports "Westbrook has made significant progress" in rehabbing the surgically repaired knee he injured during last year's playoffs and could be back in the lineup before Thanksgiving. ProBasketballTalk adds Westbrook has already began practicing with the team and has impressed all with his explosion and quick return to form.
With Westbrook out of the lineup, All-Star forward Kevin Durant is expected to carry most of the burden for OKC. Durant has won two of the league's last three scoring titles, but with the high-flying Westbrook sidelined coach Scott Brooks is demanding that he do even more.
The 6 foot 9 inch forward is also being asked to be more of a distributor this season as the Thunder look for more ways to score in Westbrook's absence. A first team All-NBA selection last season, Durant averaged 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Westbrook, meanwhile, averaged 23.2 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds. Before the injury, he hadn't missed a game in his five-year NBA career.
The Thunder open the regular on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
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