James Harden or Russell Westbrook?

[Budadiiii]

You can start your franchise with either guy. Who you got?


Give me Westbrook. A true warrior, goatlike abilities and desires.

[chazzy]

I don't think Westbrook would be doing as well as Harden is in his position right now

[mjokc]

Westbrook doesn't disappear in the finals.

[brandonislegend]

Westbrook doesn't disappear in the finals.

You realize Westbrook wouldn't have been in the finals if Harden didn't carry them past the Spurs right?

[kNicKz]

goatlike

http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/mj-laughing.gif

[mjokc]

You realize Westbrook wouldn't have been in the finals if Harden didn't carry them past the Spurs right?

Harden carried us past the Spurs now?

:roll:

Did you actually watch that series?

[tpols]

I don't think Westbrook would be doing as well as Harden is in his position right now
He wouldnt. Westbrook is too simple of a player. He has no concept of initializing the offense or thinking two moves ahead. Everything he does is in the heat of the moment with no forward thinking. Great talent but dumb.

Watching him for forty eight minutes tonight he would dribble the ball around until he had a open look or someone else did without letting anyone touch the ball. I swear there were ten possessions where he was the only person on OKC to touch the ball and shoot it. I don't get why coaches don't get in his head about this. You're a point guard dude.. At least make the effort sometimes.

[TylerOO]

I love Westbrook but I'll take Harden

[SyRyanYang]

Give me the one plays with unparalleled passion, plays tough defense and doesn't flop every times goes to the rim

[Budadiiii]

I love Westbrook but I'll take Harden
Do you have any legit reasons why?

[Graviton]

You realize Westbrook wouldn't have been in the finals if Harden didn't carry them past the Spurs right?
You realize Harden wouldn't be in that position if Westbrook didn't carry them past vs Dallas and Lakers right?

Westbrook is the more dangerous player vs elite defenses, check out Harden's performances vs contenders, he gets shut down completely. If you take away the pick n roll, Harden disappears.

[brandonislegend]

Harden carried us past the Spurs now?

:roll:

Did you actually watch that series?

Yes did you?

[brandonislegend]

You realize Harden wouldn't be in that position if Westbrook didn't carry them past vs Dallas and Lakers right?

Westbrook is the more dangerous player vs elite defenses, check out Harden's performances vs contenders, he gets shut down completely. If you take away the pick n roll, Harden disappears.

Meh if you switched Harden and Westbrook, Westbrook would be shooting 40 shots a game at 42% imo. Harden is making everyone around him better and the Rockets are actually exciting to watch and relevant.

[SyRyanYang]

Meh if you switched Harden and Westbrook, Westbrook would be shooting 40 shots a game at 42% imo. Harden is making everyone around him better and the Rockets are actually exciting to watch and relevant.
And the Thurders won't sniff the title ever.
BTW 40shots at 42% isn't too bad

[brandonislegend]

And the Thurders won't sniff the title ever.
BTW 40shots at 42% isn't too bad

If you traded for a PG that could set up KD and Kevin Martin they could be nice a lot of analysts think Westbrook take too many stupid shots when Durant is wide open but to each their own who knows, no one ever will cause Westbrook is staying.

[Budadiiii]

And the Thurders won't sniff the title ever.
BTW 40shots at 42% isn't too bad
40 shots at 42% this nikkas averaging 40+ points and might **** around and pass Jabbar because of his durability :lol

[brandonislegend]

How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

[Budadiiii]

How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
prolly 16 on 43% chucking

[Graviton]

Meh if you switched Harden and Westbrook, Westbrook would be shooting 40 shots a game at 42% imo. Harden is making everyone around him better and the Rockets are actually exciting to watch and relevant.
By that logic guess I am taking Curry over Westbrook too, Warriors are finally playing exciting basketball and are more relevant than Rockets lol. They actually beat elite teams as well.

Meaningles regular season games are irrelevant, Westbrook is a proven playoff competitor that brings it every time. He can impact the game in different ways. even when he is in Westbrick mode, he makes plays on defense or breaks down a team to get people open shots. That game vs Dallas was a perfect example. Also lets not forget he has more assists, less turnovers than Harden while playing less minutes yet handling the ball less. Come playoff time, I am confident Westbrook will never give up, can't say the same about Harden.

[brandonislegend]

By that logic guess I am taking Curry over Westbrook too, Warriors are finally playing exciting basketball and are more relevant than Rockets lol. They actually beat elite teams as well.

Meaningles regular season games are irrelevant, Westbrook is a proven playoff competitor that brings it every time. He can impact the game in different ways. even when he is in Westbrick mode, he makes plays on defense or breaks down a team to get people open shots. That game vs Dallas was a perfect example. Also lets not forget he has more assists, less turnovers than Harden while playing less minutes yet handling the ball less. Come playoff time, I am confident Westbrook will never give up, can't say the same about Harden.

Yeah he did have a bad series, it happens LeBron had a bad finals appearance as well and came back the next year and won, well see.

[pnyozzzoo]

Regarding playoffs: did you all watch them like popcorn movies?
Spurs game plan westbrook, parker made him a fool and Harden stepped in and played big.

Heat game planed Harden (trap double him) James physical 1v1 durant, leave westbrook open, and WB went bananas but thunder lost.

yes harden's game suffers if u slow it down and double trap his pick and roll. But then you team have a temporary 4v3, its a team game.

To be honest, i think they are in perfect situation.

Harden is a better first option and russ is a better sec option.

Harden can playmake and scoring effectively and get a team better(thu he still have lots superstar iso dumb shot)

Westbrook good at putting pressure on other team make their defense break up and therefore his teammates can get mismatch and good llok, plus his defend and hustle better perfect for sec option. he is boneheaded and getting lost in his own mind sometimes thats why he cannot be a leader.

Imagine Presti put a different trigger:

Houston have everybody same +Kmart + westbrook
This team be stink, westbrook go bananas avg 28pts while shoting 35%
and no one can make a play its a nightmare.

OKC everyone + Harden +lin, they would be same as last year but obviouly much weaker. due to no space and no bench and no WB wrecking ball energy which durant feeds on.

Both team obviously much worse.

Harden is a better first option. WB is a better sec option.

[Mach_3]

By that logic guess I am taking Curry over Westbrook too, Warriors are finally playing exciting basketball and are more relevant than Rockets lol. They actually beat elite teams as well.

Meaningles regular season games are irrelevant, Westbrook is a proven playoff competitor that brings it every time. He can impact the game in different ways. even when he is in Westbrick mode, he makes plays on defense or breaks down a team to get people open shots. That game vs Dallas was a perfect example. Also lets not forget he has more assists, less turnovers than Harden while playing less minutes yet handling the ball less. Come playoff time, I am confident Westbrook will never give up, can't say the same about Harden.

I agree with most of this, i'm torn but i'd most likely still take Westbrook cause Harden needs to prove to me he can consistently do what he does in the playoffs against every team and every defense. I love Harden's game far more than Westbrook's though. and also i RAGEEEEEEE whenever i see his shameless flopping

[mjokc]

Yes did you?

You didn't watch that series you believe Harden was the reason that we beat the Spurs.

[Graviton]

If you traded for a PG that could set up KD and Kevin Martin they could be nice a lot of analysts think Westbrook take too many stupid shots when Durant is wide open but to each their own who knows, no one ever will cause Westbrook is staying.
Now I know you don't even watch the games and just repeat the same bullshit you hear on TV.

Westbrook shoots more because he has to, btw he is also averaging like 9APG, WHAT THE **** ELSE DO YOU WANT? For him to be useless statpader like Rondo, getting 15 assists while Thunder get blown out? Being a passive pass first PG makes you predictable and not a threat. They put no pressure on defenses.

Westbrook always passes the ball if Durant/Martin are open, problem is Durant gets denied by physical defenders too often, so Westbrook has to chuck end of shotclock bricks, and Martin needs to be spoon fed, which Westbrook does. But Kmart is either incredibly hot or cold.

Just stop spreading your ignorance and same old bullshit about Westbrook.

[pnyozzzoo]

I agree with most of this, i'm torn but i'd most likely still take Westbrook cause Harden needs to prove to me he can consistently do what he does in the playoffs against every team and every defense. I love Harden's game far more than Westbrook's though. and also i RAGEEEEEEE whenever i see his shameless flopping
You wouldn't be mad if he s on ur team. Thunder fans did not complain harden drew too many fouls last year.

The thing is his Beardozer move is a new invention in the league( as far as i know) I mean you drive and put ur arms up and purposely go thru other's arm and make them either stuck to hit you or make them really want to swipe the ball coz its rite there. He initiated, but there is nothing in the rule books says thats offensive foul. His feet and body did not charge in and invade you space. and clearly draw contact during shooting process.

plus his playmaking is just butifu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XqmHjzdM4Q

[Budadiiii]

Now I know you don't even watch the games and just repeat the same bullshit you hear on TV.

Westbrook shoots more because he has to, btw he is also averaging like 9APG, WHAT THE **** ELSE DO YOU WANT? For him to be useless statpader like Rondo, getting 15 assists while Thunder get blown out? Being a passive pass first PG makes you predictable and not a threat. They put no pressure on defenses.

Westbrook always passes the ball if Durant/Martin are open, problem is Durant gets denied by physical defenders too often, so Westbrook has to chuck end of shotclock bricks, and Martin needs to be spoon fed, which Westbrook does. But Kmart is either incredibly hot or cold.

Just stop spreading your ignorance and same old bullshit about Westbrook. This. Dudes dont watch enough Thunder games to know the real truth. Westbrook has to do everything, and it doesn't help when your two big men suck ass at finishing and drop more balls than 600 14 year old boys.

[brandonislegend]

Now I know you don't even watch the games and just repeat the same bullshit you hear on TV.

Westbrook shoots more because he has to, btw he is also averaging like 9APG, WHAT THE **** ELSE DO YOU WANT? For him to be useless statpader like Rondo, getting 15 assists while Thunder get blown out? Being a passive pass first PG makes you predictable and not a threat. They put no pressure on defenses.

Westbrook always passes the ball if Durant/Martin are open, problem is Durant gets denied by physical defenders too often, so Westbrook has to chuck end of shotclock bricks, and Martin needs to be spoon fed, which Westbrook does. But Kmart is either incredibly hot or cold.

Just stop spreading your ignorance and same old bullshit about Westbrook.

I do watch the games, in the playoffs teams were letting Westbrook get his and guarding everyone else. Harden was getting doubled hedged hard off every screen because they didn't want anyone else to get involved. They were letting Westbrook shoot as much as he wanted similar to what teams used to do to Kobe, let him get some confidence so he keeps lauching shot after shot, we all know after a while Westbrook will start taking some dumb ones.

[SyRyanYang]

I do watch the games, in the playoffs teams were letting Westbrook get his and guarding everyone else. Harden was getting doubled hedged hard off every screen because they didn't want anyone else to get involved. They were letting Westbrook shoot as much as he wanted similar to what teams used to do to Kobe, let him get some confidence so he keeps lauching shot after shot, we all know after a while Westbrook will start taking some dumb ones.
Watched one final game and pretend you followed Thunders all year:lol

[Graviton]

Westbrook makes same dumb mistakes at times, but the good outweighs the bad by a large margin. Russ ain't Nick Young lol. Wish OKC would trade Westbrook so some of you idiots can see how powerless Thunder is with a "pass first" PG, setting up the almighty offensive beasts like Perkins, Sefalosha, Ibaka while Durant gets constant double teams and nobody is scared of any slashing and defensive breakdowns. OKC won't get to the 2nd round.

[brandonislegend]

Watched one final game and pretend you followed Thunders all year:lol

ok??

[Mach_3]

You wouldn't be mad if he s on ur team. Thunder fans did not complain harden drew too many fouls last year.

The thing is his Beardozer move is a new invention in the league( as far as i know) I mean you drive and put ur arms up and purposely go thru other's arm and make them either stuck to hit you or make them really want to swipe the ball coz its rite there. He initiated, but there is nothing in the rule books says thats offensive foul. His feet and body did not charge in and invade you space. and clearly draw contact during shooting process.

plus his playmaking is just butifu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XqmHjzdM4Q


Actually i despise when Paul Pierce does his "head snap back and scream like a viking warlord" schtick. Personally i dont think that "i'm gonna swing my arms through your body" thing that Harden does is a foul either way. Honestly they should just let it play because he's initiating contact in the first place.

I'm one of those basketball purists who absolutely HATES flopping at any level. Its despicable to me and shows that you need to trick the refs into thinking you got fouled in order to score.

[brandonislegend]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVitzGz9g2s

One of many games broken down.

[pnyozzzoo]

Actually i despise when Paul Pierce does his "head snap back and scream like a viking warlord" schtick. Personally i dont think that "i'm gonna swing my arms through your body" thing that Harden does is a foul either way. Honestly they should just let it play because he's initiating contact in the first place.

I'm one of those basketball purists who absolutely HATES flopping at any level. Its despicable to me and shows that you need to trick the refs into thinking you got fouled in order to score.
I dun think you can call that flopping, a loophole in the rule book maybe. But he is not faking contact or exaggerated it much, in fact he often play thru contact and try get and1s.

Sure u can make it in the rule book and charge block already 2 hardest things to call now u want a your start or I start arm contact foul too?

Plus it takes skills and strength, he practices that. and you dun see anyone else use that move, coz most prob they ll lost the handle b4 that. He had a wrist strength guy train him on court b4 game in okc you can see those rubber band things.

[Graviton]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVitzGz9g2s

One of many games broken down.
Now when you learn how to think for yourself and pay attention to the good he does instead of relying on a known Westbrook hater that cherry picks his stupid moments, then you may be taken seriously.

"Why Russell Westbrook Is Still Not A Championship Point Guard"

Wonder how many championships Coach Nick has won lmao.

[SyRyanYang]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVitzGz9g2s

One of many games broken down.
1:22 bad pass from KD
1:34 Jumper after screen, pretty normal, better defense from TD thou
1:55 Parker going full speed at you on a fast break, talking about man-on-man defense:facepalm
2:06 wide open because of a screen:facepalm
2:17 another screen
2:59 mis-match happens all the time:facepalm
3:30 Iso-jumper, big deal
3:49 Ibaka travels and blame WB:roll:
3:53 Durant unable to box out Jackson and it's WB's fault:facepalm
Stopped watching
Seriously, I can make a 10 hours long video talking about how many bad decisions Kobe has made in his career and claim he will never won a Champion. Fact is, the good outweighs the bad, a lot.

[brandonislegend]

Now when you learn how to think for yourself and pay attention to the good he does instead of relying on a known Westbrook hater that cherry picks his stupid moments, then you may be taken seriously.

"Why Russell Westbrook Is Still Not A Championship Point Guard"

Wonder how many championships Coach Nick has won lmao.

You swear you need a ring to know about the game of basketball. How many coaches in the NBA don't have a championship ring as a player, watch the video he knows what he is talking about he explains everything nice and simple for you too.

[pnyozzzoo]

Now when you learn how to think for yourself and pay attention to the good he does instead of relying on a known Westbrook hater that cherry picks his stupid moments, then you may be taken seriously.

"Why Russell Westbrook Is Still Not A Championship Point Guard"

Wonder how many championships Coach Nick has won lmao.
I agree RW is the perfect sec option to durant who can be passive and denied at time. only one can compare is of course healthy d rose.
CP3 Rondo and nash would make thunder much worse. Coz they have lots specialists not all rounded players.

[brandonislegend]

1:22 bad pass from KD
1:34 Jumper after screen, pretty normal, better defense from TD thou
1:55 Parker going full speed at you on a fast break, talking about man-on-man defense:facepalm
2:06 wide open because of a screen:facepalm
2:17 another screen
2:59 mis-match happens all the time:facepalm
3:30 Iso-jumper, big deal
3:49 Ibaka travels and blame WB:roll:
3:53 Durant unable to box out Jackson and it's WB's fault:facepalm
Stopped watching
Seriously, I can make a 10 hours long video talking about how many bad decisions Kobe has made in his career and claim he will never won a Champion. Fact is, the good outweighs the bad, a lot.

Except Kobe is a Shooting guard and Westbrook is a point guard that runs the team?

[Graviton]

1:22 bad pass from KD
1:34 Jumper after screen, pretty normal, better defense from TD thou
1:55 Parker going full speed at you on a fast break, talking about man-on-man defense:facepalm
2:06 wide open because of a screen:facepalm
2:17 another screen
2:59 mis-match happens all the time:facepalm
3:30 Iso-jumper, big deal
3:49 Ibaka travels and blame WB:roll:
3:53 Durant unable to box out Jackson and it's WB's fault:facepalm
Stopped watching
Seriously, I can make a 10 hours long video talking about how many bad decisions Kobe has made in his career and claim he will never won a Champion. Fact is, the good outweighs the bad, a lot.
Exactly lol, you can make a video like that on Lebron too. Those were mostly minor mistakes or non factors that happen in EVERY game and are commited by every player. This is just Coach Nick hating on Westbrook, "he can be 3rd or 4th best shooting guard behind Kobe, Wade, Manu" LOL can he be any more obvious? Westbrook is Top 8 player yet 4th best SG lol.

[pnyozzzoo]

Except Kobe is a Shooting guard and Westbrook is a point guard that runs the team?
Position dun matter as always the general labels, Team personnel , talents at different position, play style decide how one plays. WB is perfect with his wrecking crew style. of course if he has high iq that be great but then it will be unreal.

One thing other PG cannot do for thunder, Taking so many shots carry so much load and plays so hard and be healthy for them whole season. They really need him that badly.

[Mach_3]

I dun think you can call that flopping, a loophole in the rule book maybe. But he is not faking contact or exaggerated it much, in fact he often play thru contact and try get and1s.

Sure u can make it in the rule book and charge block already 2 hardest things to call now u want a your start or I start arm contact foul too?

Plus it takes skills and strength, he practices that. and you dun see anyone else use that move, coz most prob they ll lost the handle b4 that. He had a wrist strength guy train him on court b4 game in okc you can see those rubber band things.


Im not saying change it in the rulebooks im just saying don't call anything. It's pretty obvious when Harden (at least to me it is) is about to use that move. And i wasn't specifically talking about that when i meant his flopping, i just mean all the super exaggerated contact he normally does. Granted i haven't seen him do it as much so maybe that a sign :lol

[SyRyanYang]

Except Kobe is a Shooting guard and Westbrook is a point guard that runs the team?
Russell is really a combo-guard. He can be a shooting guard if coach wants him to be.
And this is not my point, I used Kobe only as an example.

[Graviton]

Except Kobe is a Shooting guard and Westbrook is a point guard that runs the team?
Except Westbrook is their 2nd best scorer that Coach Brooks TELLS to shoot? 9APG on top if 21 points not good enough?

What exactly do you want Westbrook to do, give some real points. You sound like a teenager repeating the same crap you hear on TV without providing any context or real opinion. "He is a PG", "He needs to shoot less", "He has to run the team".

Reality check, he is playing like a PG and setting everyone up while also breaking down defenses, scorin, rebounding and playing tough D for 40+ minutes. You clearly don't pay attention to OKC games, just keep recycling the same old "Westbrook is not a PG!" myth.

[SyRyanYang]

Im not saying change it in the rulebooks im just saying don't call anything. It's pretty obvious when Harden (at least to me it is) is about to use that move. And i wasn't specifically talking about that when i meant his flopping, i just mean all the super exaggerated contact he normally does. Granted i haven't seen him do it as much so maybe that a sign :lol
yeah it's definitely not flopping. I was amazed at the ridiculous number of fouls he draws with that move. It's almost like the defenders are compelled to foul him whenever he reaches his arm out on the drive.

[pnyozzzoo]

Im not saying change it in the rulebooks im just saying don't call anything. It's pretty obvious when Harden (at least to me it is) is about to use that move. And i wasn't specifically talking about that when i meant his flopping, i just mean all the super exaggerated contact he normally does. Granted i haven't seen him do it as much so maybe that a sign :lol
I dun think its that obvious, he does it sometimes, most time its just arms up and front and lure others to steal it. I d say he go thru others body less than 30% of the fouls, 30% people really did hit him first coz he lured, 30% standard hack body head,challenge shot, 10% random fouls.

Its not like he use it on people every turn he gets.

[knicksman]

westbrook is another marbury or francis. He is not a player that can carry a team to the playoffs while harden is already proven.

[imdaman99]

Westbrook. The moment is never too big for him :applause:

While harden may seem like a Max player, he's been stopped by the best teams in the league

[millwad]

I'm very impressed with Harden this far, he has such an easy time to score and he gets to the line so easy. And he's really underrated as a passer, never thought he'd be this good at dishing out them assists.

[mjokc]

westbrook is another marbury or francis. He is not a player that can carry a team to the playoffs while harden is already proven.

:biggums:

[Kiddlovesnets]

James Harden 2nd best SG in the league right now(below Wade), Russell Westbrook is just 8th best PG. Sure in this era the quality of PG is better than SG, Id still take Harden over Westbrook.

[pnyozzzoo]

James Harden 2nd best SG in the league right now(below Wade), Russell Westbrook is just 8th best PG. Sure in this era the quality of PG is better than SG, Id still take Harden over Westbrook.
Are you baiting for Kobe stans?

[Kiddlovesnets]

Are you baiting for Kobe stans?

Not really, Wade, Harden and Curry are better shooting guards. You cant just look at stats, the impact of the game and team record also matter.

[MetsPackers]

westbrook is another marbury or francis. He is not a player that can carry a team to the playoffs while harden is already proven.

:biggums:

Wtf is this? Westbrook is the one who's proven. Harden is like 30 games into his first season starting full time and leading a team; coming off a legendary choke job in the finals. Westbrook however is a multiple all star, consistent, durable, a better defender, the list goes on

Westbrook plays nothing like Marbury which makes me inclined to think you've never watched one of them. And since youre a knick fan, ill assume youve never watched westbrook

Realllly bad post there guy

Btw i choose westbrook id rather put solid bigs and defnders around him with good shooters than try to build around harden, although harden miiight be the better playmaker. Idk tough choice we may never know how a prime westbrook would look as a number 1

[Rubio2Gasol]

You know what I hate about that vid.

"He's not a first year player, second year player" - Yes. We Know this. Mainly because the degree of improvement he's demonstrated every season is second to none from his draft class and he has far exceeded expectations he carried on draft night.

"They've gone through the fire of the finals" - Yes. And he was the only one who showed up.

[pnyozzzoo]

You know what I hate about that vid.

"He's not a first year player, second year player" - Yes. We Know this. Mainly because the degree of improvement he's demonstrated every season is second to none from his draft class and he has far exceeded expectations he carried on draft night.

"They've gone through the fire of the finals" - Yes. And he was the only one who showed up.
Well I agree Coach Nick nitpicked all the "mistakes", I don't think WB showed up in the Finals is a coincidence.

The heat game planed to leave WB open go for his. OKC has 3 great perimeter threat.
Lebron Hard physical deny Durant and Heat double trap Harden on pick and roll. Let WB beat them and Heat succeeded. Harden did play poorly still but its not he sucked so bad or shrink. they game planned to him. Also when WB get it going he tends to make his team just watch.

If RW is alone like Drose on the bulls, heat would shut him down. I believe he is easier to guard than healthy DRose. Heat is just a great perimeter defense team.

[Jolokia]

Are people only looking at Westbrook statline? 21.7 / 8.7 / 5.2
If he and Harden swapped places right now, his stats would look similar to Harden's 26/4/5, but still shooting the same percentages as he himself does now 41/34/79. Harden on the current Thunder will probably be the same scenario, but Harden will choke in big games if his shots aren't falling.

Westbrook is all-energy and effort. His scoring ability is elite though but too selfish at time, and his playmaking skills is probably ranked # 30-32 from the starting point guards of the league. You've got the best jumpshooting 6'10" player knocking down everything off of curls, screens, and opened and contested spotups. Then you got a guy in Kevin Martin shooting lights out back in a role he's comfortable with. A point guard with a usage rate only Kobe and Carmelo can compare to is bound to have 2-3 easy assists per game where the defense collapses inside. I am simply not impressed when watching the dude trying to operate a team. If you gave him a big like Tim Duncan or Shaq of 2006, he'd be clueless on how to get them involved besides entry passes. Just for the heck of it, Rose is better than Westbrook will ever be.

I do give him a top 5 point guard status though because of his man-on-man defense, putting defense on their heels and productivity. He's just gotta be smarter and more controlled throughout the whole game, and I don't think he has it in him. I used to be a fan, but maybe it was based on potential. He is who he is. An atheltic freak playing out of his mind...in a bad way most of the time. People are saying how Wade would decline when he loses his athleticism, but Westbrook will become a nobody at the age of 32. Book it. He is no leader just like Harden.

If they traded Westbrook for Conley and Z-Bo...oh man..........
Put CP3 or Irving in Russell's place is an almost gauranteed championship every year.

He's an exciting player no doubt. A warrior. A guy who would die on the court (thats a 50-50 good-bad thing). If I had him though, I'd only use him as a cutting shoot guard or as the 6th man of the year every year. Sorry.

[imdaman99]

Are people only looking at Westbrook statline? 21.7 / 8.7 / 5.2
If he and Harden swapped places right now, his stats would look similar to Harden's 26/4/5, but still shooting the same percentages as he himself does now 41/34/79. Harden on the current Thunder will probably be the same scenario, but Harden will choke in big games if his shots aren't falling.

Westbrook is all-energy and effort. His scoring ability is elite though but too selfish at time, and his playmaking skills is probably ranked # 30-32 from the starting point guards of the league. You've got the best jumpshooting 6'10" player knocking down everything off of curls, screens, and opened and contested spotups. Then you got a guy in Kevin Martin shooting lights out back in a role he's comfortable with. A point guard with a usage rate only Kobe and Carmelo can compare to is bound to have 2-3 easy assists per game where the defense collapses inside. I am simply not impressed when watching the dude trying to operate a team. If you gave him a big like Tim Duncan or Shaq of 2006, he'd be clueless on how to get them involved besides entry passes. Just for the heck of it, Rose is better than Westbrook will ever be.

I do give him a top 5 point guard status though because of his man-on-man defense, putting defense on their heels and productivity. He's just gotta be smarter and more controlled throughout the whole game, and I don't think he has it in him. I used to be a fan, but maybe it was based on potential. He is who he is. An atheltic freak playing out of his mind...in a bad way most of the time. People are saying how Wade would decline when he loses his athleticism, but Westbrook will become a nobody at the age of 32. Book it. He is no leader just like Harden.

If they traded Westbrook for Conley and Z-Bo...oh man..........
Put CP3 or Irving in Russell's place is an almost gauranteed championship every year.

He's an exciting player no doubt. A warrior. A guy who would die on the court (thats a 50-50 good-bad thing). If I had him though, I'd only use him as a cutting shoot guard or as the 6th man of the year every year. Sorry.
good thing you're not a gm. durant gets plenty of open looks created by westbrook, but he is trying more and more to create shots for the rest of the team so he doesn't come off screens the whole game to catch and shoot anymore. but you wouldn't know that.

so having 2 other very good offensive players on the team means he should be averaging 10 assists? what about the remaining guys that are offensive liabilities? not to mention in the starting lineup, perkins is a negative and sefolosha is just lol worthy. ibaka is improving his jumper, and westbrook gets many assists to him.

do you want him to pass it to perkins and sefolosha more? watch a little more basketball than, because westbrook is not even in his prime and you want to take the ball out of his hands. how many rings does cp3 have? when was the last time a pass first pg won it all? irving is unproven but his defense is deplorable.

i didnt realize going to the finals meant that he was holding the team back. get a clue.

[imdaman99]

Well I agree Coach Nick nitpicked all the "mistakes", I don't think WB showed up in the Finals is a coincidence.

The heat game planed to leave WB open go for his. OKC has 3 great perimeter threat.
Lebron Hard physical deny Durant and Heat double trap Harden on pick and roll. Let WB beat them and Heat succeeded. Harden did play poorly still but its not he sucked so bad or shrink. they game planned to him. Also when WB get it going he tends to make his team just watch.

If RW is alone like Drose on the bulls, heat would shut him down. I believe he is easier to guard than healthy DRose. Heat is just a great perimeter defense team.
so miamis gameplan was to leave westbrook open... i dont recall westbrook being open too often in the series. i noticed wade and a few times lebron having their hands full with him. but i guess if coach tool and you say so, it must be true. lol at gameplan. the heat are a very good pick and roll defending team. talking about gameplanning for harden :lol

maybe i was watching a different finals.

[Jolokia]

good thing you're not a gm. durant gets plenty of open looks created by westbrook, but he is trying more and more to create shots for the rest of the team so he doesn't come off screens the whole game to catch and shoot anymore. but you wouldn't know that.

so having 2 other very good offensive players on the team means he should be averaging 10 assists? what about the remaining guys that are offensive liabilities? not to mention in the starting lineup, perkins is a negative and sefolosha is just lol worthy. ibaka is improving his jumper, and westbrook gets many assists to him.

do you want him to pass it to perkins and sefolosha more? watch a little more basketball than, because westbrook is not even in his prime and you want to take the ball out of his hands. how many rings does cp3 have? when was the last time a pass first pg won it all? irving is unproven but his defense is deplorable.

i didnt realize going to the finals meant that he was holding the team back. get a clue.
No, I'm saying with 2 very good shooters, his assist numbers are inflated. He doesn't playmake for them, those two play off the ball as good as anyone creating shots for themselves. How many times has CP3 played with a player like Durant who's automatic from anywhere on the court even with a hand in his face? You put Westbrook on CP3's Hornets and they aren't going anywhere. I'm not saying the Thunder are not a championship team. I'm saying they could be so much more dangerous with a point like CP3 and Irving who aren't self-absorbed and emotionally drowned at times. Plus, no way does the Clippers or Cavs let go of their points for WB. Let's see how well he does if they meet up with the Spurs in the playoffs again.

[Mr Exlax]

I'll take Harden. He has inside and outside game. Westbrook looks so good because he has Durant so teams stay honest. I love Westbrook, but if Durant wasn't there, teams would run zone and then he's outta there. He's a SG trying to transition into the PG spot still.

[pauk]

Kobe

[Legends66NBA7]

Russell Westbrook, untill proven otherwise. Outside of his inefficient shooting, he can do pretty much everything. He's much more all-around than Harden and is a more proven playoff performer.

[ClutchOver9000]

Give me Westbrook

[pnyozzzoo]

I don't know how WB is more proven in play off.

Dude came in the league earlier, is the starter sec option on that team, and he and Durant have much greener light than bench Harden. If he is got it going then of course he is gonna carry offensive loads.

Unless he s really struggle and Harden is really hot most night he takes more shots.

Heat is the Champion and they shut down Harden big deal, its one series, its not like WB never under perform in other series either. Lebron choked more than once in playoff. Harden was 22 and a bench third option. Durant did not step up either cause he got physically uncomfortable. WB got it going then its often 1/N and rest of the team watches thats not winning basketball.

Like I said I still think Harden is better no.1 option and WB is better No.2 option. Harden's smart efficient play setting people up goes well with a young team. WB is energy effort pressure and scoring ability makes thunder good, but he is too boneheaded and will lead a young team to terrible record.

[Sampsonsimpson]

if we're picking someone to be the first option/star of the team Ill take Harden. Hell even as a second option Id still take him. I dont like Westbrook's decision making as a point guard, he is prone to making :wtf: type plays and although his jumpshot has improved somewhat it is still very streaky and he likes to take those pull up J's without even trying to work the ball around sometimes. Harden's game is more refined I guess.

[Bigsmoke]

James Harden i guess.

its a tie if u ask me

[Notorious D.M.C]

tough question but I'd probably go with Westbrook even if he makes some boneheaded mistakes

[Mach_3]

yeah it's definitely not flopping. I was amazed at the ridiculous number of fouls he draws with that move. It's almost like the defenders are compelled to foul him whenever he reaches his arm out on the drive.

I believe it has to do with when refs see someone swiping the hand downwards when the ballhandler has his arms extended they almost always assume its a foul. I believe it was Jordan (maybe bird? i cant really remember) who said to try to always swipe upwards when trying to strip so the refs don't think your fouling the ballhandler

[ZaaaaaH]

Perfect time for this question. Much as I like WB, Harden really prove me on his Individual talent this year.

50/50 Cant go Wrong

[knicksman]

good thing you're not a gm. durant gets plenty of open looks created by westbrook, but he is trying more and more to create shots for the rest of the team so he doesn't come off screens the whole game to catch and shoot anymore. but you wouldn't know that.

so having 2 other very good offensive players on the team means he should be averaging 10 assists? what about the remaining guys that are offensive liabilities? not to mention in the starting lineup, perkins is a negative and sefolosha is just lol worthy. ibaka is improving his jumper, and westbrook gets many assists to him.

do you want him to pass it to perkins and sefolosha more? watch a little more basketball than, because westbrook is not even in his prime and you want to take the ball out of his hands. how many rings does cp3 have? when was the last time a pass first pg won it all? irving is unproven but his defense is deplorable.

i didnt realize going to the finals meant that he was holding the team back. get a clue.

at least pass first won while score havent since the creation of this league. I view westbrook in the same league as iverson, marbury, francis who are cancers of their teams.

[knicksman]

:biggums:

Wtf is this? Westbrook is the one who's proven. Harden is like 30 games into his first season starting full time and leading a team; coming off a legendary choke job in the finals. Westbrook however is a multiple all star, consistent, durable, a better defender, the list goes on

Westbrook plays nothing like Marbury which makes me inclined to think you've never watched one of them. And since youre a knick fan, ill assume youve never watched westbrook

Realllly bad post there guy

Btw i choose westbrook id rather put solid bigs and defnders around him with good shooters than try to build around harden, although harden miiight be the better playmaker. Idk tough choice we may never know how a prime westbrook would look as a number 1

harden is proven because he has no Durant unlike westbrook. I havent seen a player like him getting his team past the 2nd round alone.