Is Westbrook a Top 5 Player

[Fork]

For the upcoming season?

[KingPush]

he was top 5 this season

[tgan3]

Westbrook has never been a top 5 player in my book. Doesn't make any good decisions.

[fiddy]

Westbrook has never been a top 5 player in my book. Doesn't make any good decisions.
This. In terms of athleticism hes up there.

[CoastalRyan]

No question he's on the fence. He's explosive, has solid court vision, range, great first step, athletic, competitive, creative in the lane and isn't afraid to take the big shot. All the things you want out of a top 5 guys.

Problem is, his shortcomings expose him and his team way more than they should.

He makes bad decisions...all the time.

He goes into selfish mode at the wrong times.

Hasn't figured out how to elevate the role players around him.

His disposition is off putting.

These are all things the coaching staff should address. Not a knock on Brooks but I don't think he's figured out how to tap Westbrooks potential. He's certainly capitalized on his talent and skill set but there's that extra 10% difference maker that he can't seem to find.

[GimmeThat]

if Ibaka didn't go down and they beat the Spurs. he'd have a much better argument.

the field is quite even because it didn't happen though.

[Jlamb47]

I would say hes top 5 player based off his impact and what he does on the court. He still makes dumb decisiions at times and is un controlling but he plays elite defense, he can pass, one man fastbreak, score at will and shoot pretty decent

[SOD 21]

Russell Westbrook is a top-five talent in the NBA and a top 10 overall player.

The only thing holding him back is his decision-making, which needs to improve. It seems like Scott Brooks coaching style has been to take the reins off and just let his athletic ability take over without a whole lot of coaching going on. I sometimes wonder how much better Russell Westbrook would be today if he played for a demanding coach like Popovich who would actually teach him how to play the point guard position properly.

But anyway, a top-five talent and a top 10 player overall.

[beastee]

I would say no, because you cant have the #1B and another top 5 player and not make the finals. He is fringe 8-10 because of his erratic style.

[imdaman99]

Yes he is. He had an argument as the best player in the playoffs this postseason.

[DMAVS41]

Yea...because he was the 2nd best player when the games counted the most in 2014.

So until the playoffs next year...WB will be in my top 5 for sure if he's healthy. Regular season heroes don't mean much...

[SOD 21]

Yea...because he was the 2nd best player when the games counted the most in 2014.

So until the playoffs next year...WB will be in my top 5 for sure if he's healthy. Regular season heroes don't mean much...

Just to strengthen your point about Russell Westbrook and his play in the playoffs

[kshutts1]

I have had him as a top 5 player for some time now.

Lebron
Durant
Howard
Westbrook
Paul

Paul is a better PG, but Westbrook is the better player.

[Chuckbrook]

He's definitely a top 5 talent. He just needs to work on making better decisions. If he improves in that area I think he will be up there with Lebron James.

-Brook

[GimmeThat]

Yea...because he was the 2nd best player when the games counted the most in 2014.

So until the playoffs next year...WB will be in my top 5 for sure if he's healthy. Regular season heroes don't mean much...

I think he could lead a team to 40-45+ wins as 1st option.

[TylerOO]

LBJ/KD/Westbrook are the top 3 in the league, so yeah.