“I legit had nightmares about the night before a game” – Roy Hibbert explains how Russell Westbrook used to cook him
Hibbert was candid about his defensive shortcomings.
Roy Hibbert is a recent example of NBA players, both past and present, using new media to discuss all things basketball. The New York native has been running his own YouTube channel for about a year now.
In one of his uploads, the retired center opened up about his experiences playing against a specific superstar. The video is titled “Russell Westbrook Terrorized Me For YEARS,” which makes its content clear.
“Russell Westbrook was the only guard that I legit had nightmares about the night before a game. I literally woke up in cold sweats because I knew I couldn’t guard him at all,” Hibbert begins.
Funny, yet insightful analysis
The video features a few comedic moments, such as Roy waking up in bed with nightmares about Russ and then mimicking his opponent’s signature ‘Rock the Baby’ celebration.
However, it also includes some in-depth tactical analysis from the American-Jamaican, particularly interesting when he discusses the defensive aspects of playing against Westbrook.
This insight is notable because Hibbert was actually one of the best defensive centers in the mid-2010s. The former 7’2″ center was a dominant presence in the paint, excelling as a shot-blocker, a solid rebounder, a box-out specialist, and in protecting the rim to prevent easy baskets.
“I considered myself one of the better, or one of the best defenders in the league at that time. In one-on-one or pick-and-roll-iso, I took pride in my defense,” he reflected.
