#player-roles

#player-roles

Westbrook has suddenly become a focal point for the Kings and he went off for a huge triple-double (his 204th) on Wednesday with 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Warriors. He became the all-time rebounds leader for guards in the process, passing Jason Kidd. He also had 26 points, 12 rebounds and six dimes in his previous game and has benefited from the absences of Zach LaVine (back) and Domantas Sabonis (ribs).

Bruno [Fernandes] can play the deeper role he's asked to play, but will he play it as well as he plays further up the pitch? Why not put the most productive player in the Premier League in his best position to provide? People go on about the formation but it's also those details. Is Amad [Diallo] really a right wingback? Leny Yoro, right of a back three, has he ever really done that as a 19-year-old novice?

Darko's been really helpful. Obviously, I have a lot of high-level guys around me, so finding my niche isn't always easy. But everybody knows defence is what's going to get me on the floor. Being aggressive, confident, on both ends - that's what I'm focused on. They drafted me to be me, so that's the mindset I'm sticking with.

It's a formidable looking midfield as Gabrielle Vernier partners Marine Menager. Pauline Bourdan Sansus will no doubt look for runners against the grain with every opportunity. Lock Madoussou Fall Raclot was a menace against South Africa. Her carrying ability, along with Charlotte Escudero's all-court game at the base of the ruck, will be key to providing France go-forward ball. Morgane Bourgeois' reliability from the tee sees her win the fullback jersey.

Few surprises here. KhaDarel Hodge is still the man who steps in when Drake London is hurt, Bijan still outsnaps Allgeier by a huge degree even if their carries are pretty even, and the Falcons still use Pitts more often than Woerner. Pitts, I thought, threw some nice blocks yesterday that more than justified that work alongside his production as a receiver.

Vrabel emphasized the importance of building a team, earning roles, and preparing to win as the three main objectives for training camp.