Russell Westbrook vs Allen Iverson

[iamgine]

Both tough, both fashion disasters (or pioneers), both play with great passion.

Obviously Iverson was more marketable and accomplished more individual and team success (MVP, Finals) but putting that aside, who would you pick between the two based on eye test?

[L.Kizzle]

Did you miss the 3 page thread on this just yesterday.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Iverson was a better player, and certainly "greater" ... no contest for Westbrick.

[Akhenaten]

AI as of right now, what he did at 5'11 with absolute GARBAGE around him (offensively) was incredible.

WB has to show me something this first two months of the season without KD

he has way more offensive help that AI ever dreamed of having

look at AI 08 season with Melo when he had offensive help, avg 27 on 46%
at the tailend of his prime at that, WB got a ways to go.

Still waiting to see that POLISH in WB game, he's always in 5th gear and plays with tunnel vision. I need to see some nuance and savvy from WB.

[PhutureDynasty]

Allen Iverson. Westbrook has a lot of catching up before this debate can be taken seriously.

[Milbuck]

A bit unfair considering we've seen AI's peak..and I don't think we've seen the best of Westbrook.

But what WB did in this past postseason was pretty incredible, especially defensively..he's been a good defender for a while now, but in the playoffs he ramped up the intensity to another level. Might not just be the best (arguably) offensive PG, now his defense is on that level as well. The dude is a nightmare on that end now, hopefully he maintains that going into next year.

The scary part is that Russ is just now in his prime..the dude could get better for the next 3-5 years. Really excited to see him unleashed with KD out. He's gonna shut people up this first month of the season.

[SamuraiSWISH]

A bit unfair considering we've seen AI's peak..and I don't think we've seen the best of Westbrook.

But what WB did in this past postseason was pretty incredible, especially defensively..he's been a good defender for a while now, but in the playoffs he ramped up the intensity to another level. Might not just be the best (arguably) offensive PG, now his defense is on that level as well. The dude is a nightmare on that end now, hopefully he maintains that going into next year.

The scary part is that Russ is just now in his prime..the dude could get better for the next 3-5 years. Really excited to see him unleashed with KD out. He's gonna shut people up this first month of the season.
Sensing a possible young fan that actually considers Westbrook better ... based off one post season, and an excessively gushing long post. Did you watch prime Iverson?

:facepalm

Westbrook is an inconsistent defender. Sometimes he's good, sometimes he isn't. His better on ball defense due to his size, and tenacity is negated by the fact Iverson was nearly always the league leader in steals.

AI played passing lanes like a genius. Gambler? Yes. But he was afforded that opportunity based how the team was constructed defensively.

The Answer's production offensively craps on Westbrook. Did it in a more physical defensive league, with a trend for really slow offensive pace as well.

AI is the better basketball player. And greater talent all-time. This isn't even close. Westbrook is in his prime. I don't think his peak will be much better than it is now. Certainly won't peak out like Iverson from 2000 - 2006.

[Milbuck]

Sensing a possible young fan that actually considers Westbrook better ... based off one post season, and an excessively gushing long post. Did you watch prime Iverson?

:facepalm

Westbrook is an inconsistent defender. Sometimes he's good, sometimes he isn't. His better on ball defense due to his size, and tenacity is negated by the fact Iverson was nearly always the league leader in steals.

AI played passing lanes like a genius. Gambler? Yes. But he was afforded that opportunity based how the team was constructed defensively.

The Answer's production offensively craps on Westbrook. Did it in a more physical defensive league, with a trend for really slow offensive pace as well.

AI is the better basketball player. And greater talent all-time. This isn't even close. Westbrook is in his prime. I don't think his peak will be much better than it is now. Certainly won't peak out like Iverson from 2000 - 2006.
Literally never once said Westbrook was better than AI. The first sentence of that post was pretty much me saying Westbrook isn't on AI's level...at least not yet. All I was trying to say is that Westbrook's play this past postseason shows that as a two-way player his game can reach a level that's comparable to prime Iverson.

I just think it's pretty ridiculous to rule it out completely. He's 25 years old...and just came off a postseason run where he outplayed his MVP and 2nd best player in the league teammate..put up Lebron-like numbers while playing what might've been the best defense for his position. He outplayed the (arguably) best PG in the game in one round, then completely destroyed another elite PG in the next round.

We're kidding ourselves if we're gonna use AI's steal totals to suggest he was as good a defender as Westbrook was during this last postseason.

Westbrook is arguably the 3rd best player in the world right now...when exactly did Iverson become some god, like he's ****ing Michael Jordan or something? I'm not saying Westbrook is or ever will be better than AI..but seriously, if we're going to suggest that Westbrook will never even be close to AI even with years left to improve..I don't know what to tell you.

[SamuraiSWISH]

We're kidding ourselves if we're gonna use AI's steal totals to suggest he was as good a defender as Westbrook was during this last postseason.
First of all, didn't mean to offend. I generally agree with, and like your posts.

Also I didn't say fundamentally Iverson was a better defender. But racking up steals is a HUGE thing. Not to be shrugged off. We can't down play it either. But you're acting like Westbrook has consistently been a all-team defender season in, and season out. I've seen his defense be inconsistent a lot.

All besides the point, he's not going to be as great as Iverson. We would have already seen that potential by now. And it hasn't happened. Anyone suggesting otherwise is a Westbrook homer. Iverson would destory this league as presently constructed, and officiated.

[305Baller]

Too soon to compare.

[JohnMax]

Iverson + Melo = 1st round exists
Westbrook + Durant = WCF

[nathanjizzle]

AI and its not really close.

[Milbuck]

I didn't say fundamentally he was a better defender. But racking up steals is a HUGE thing. Not to be shrugged off. We can't down play it either. But you're acting like Westbrook has consistently been a all-team defender season in, and season out. I've seen his defense be inconsistent a lot.I'm actually not, at all. I said he's been a good defender in the past. You're ignoring the part of my post, the very very important part, where I explicitly stated that I hope Westbrook will bring the defensive intensity he showed in the playoffs into next season and beyond.

All besides the point, he's not going to be as great as Iverson. We would have already seen that potential by now. And it hasn't happened. Anyone suggesting otherwise is a Westbrook homer. Iverson would destory this league as presently constructed, and officiated.
Ok? Again, I never once said he'll be better than AI. I just think saying he'll never even be close is just a complete dismissal of reality.

"We would have already seen that potential"

28/6/9/2 on 62% TS against another top 2 PG in the game...and then follows it up with 27/6/7/3 on 55% TS against another elite PG, destroying him to the point where he gets him benched..including a freaking 40-10-5-5 on 66% TS game with elite defense.

The dude is arguably a top 3 player right now. And he's got years to improve. We're comparing him to Allen Iverson...not Michael Jordan or Lebron James or Magic Johnson. We have absolutely no idea how the next 3-5 years will play out in terms of his development..definitively saying he can not and will not improve to a level near AI is just ridiculous.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Iverson + Melo = 1st round exists
That pair wasn't built to play together. Plus poor defensive team, ran into a buzz saw in the 1st round. MVP Kobe and Pau Gaol, coached by Phil Jackson.


Westbrook + Durant = WCF
Umm?

Iverson + Defensive Role Players = NBA Finals, and stole the only win off the near undefeated 2001 Lakers. Led by the 2 headed monster of peak Shaq, and prime Kobe.

Oh yea, dropped 48 in that game on the road in LA.

[ImKobe]

Scoring: AI right now (he took a huge volume of shots and was not efficient, let's see how Westbrook does in this role)
Rebounding: Westbrook
Passing: wash
Defense: Westbrook
athleticism: Westbrook
handles: AI

Westbrook in the Playoffs last year had a good run and is comparable to any run AI put up. 27/7/8/2 is no joke. AI can put up higher scoring numbers but let's be honest, Westbrook is much more athletic, is bigger, stronger and brings more to the table than Iverson did. I know that AI had games, where he just controlled everything and no one could check him, but he also had a ton of bad shooting games that hurt his teams...

Westbrook is a similar type player when you give him the ball, both are similar in terms of shooting efficiency as well, Westbrook might be a better pure shooter, but AI took thousands of jump shots per season and shot horribly on them overall...


It's too early to tell who's the better player, but I think when it's all said and done, Russell will be the better of the two.

[Done_And_Done]

If you're willing to go out on a limb and assert that current Westbrook is a better basketball player than Iverson was, then you weren't old enough to watch AI play.

With that said, I would be very surprised if Russ ever reaches a point in his career where this debate should be taken without a tinge of levity. AI murdered opposing defenses on a nightly basis. Russell still doesn't even know what the hell his role is at times out there.

[Milbuck]

If you're willing to go out on a limb and assert that current Westbrook is a better basketball player than Iverson was, then you weren't old enough to watch AI play.

With that said, I would be very surprised if Russ ever reaches a point in his career where this debate should be taken without a tinge of levity. AI murdered opposing defenses on a nightly basis. Russell still doesn't even know what the hell his role is at times out there.
Which is exactly what Westbrook did this past postseason, but on defense as well, to opposing offenses....and he just entered his prime. We gonna act like there's zero chance he builds on this postseason run and improves....like a 25 year old player should and very well could?

[Done_And_Done]

It's possible Milli, (and yes I do fully expect Russell at the youthful age of 25 to further establish himself as a current NBA elite) but in regards to this particular argument, I wouldn't put money on the scale ever changing in Westbrooks favor.

Only time will tell though man...

[Milbuck]

It's possible Milli, (and yes I do fully expect Russell at the youthful age of 25 to further establish himself as a current NBA elite) but in regards to this particular argument, I wouldn't put money on the scale ever changing in Westbrooks favor.

Only time will tell though man...
This is all I'm trying to argue man. Never said Westbrook would surpass AI...I just think what he did in this past postseason on both ends of the floor shows that he has the potential to come close. That Westbrook in 3-4 years time could make this a legitimate debate, and not the apparently lopsided one it is right now.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

AI and its not close
Westbrooks defense continues to get overrated just because hes aggressive and gambles alot. Hes a shit defender that can play lockdown D at times thats it

[oarabbus]

AI and its not close
Westbrooks defense continues to get overrated just because hes aggressive and gambles alot. Hes a shit defender that can play lockdown D at times thats it


Sounds like AI

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Sounds like AI
Exactly
nikkas in this thread makin in seem like Westbrook was a way better defender when he wasnt

[russwest0]

Westbrook vs Iverson?

Damn thats a tough one but Westbrook wins. Not only would Westbrook murder the PHUCK out of AI in the post, he'd also do a better job at defending his opponent as well.

Sorry AI, you were good in your day, but Westbrook is going to finish this game as the GOAT PG to ever play it. Ever.

[iamgine]

Do we agree though that Westbrook is a better defender than AI?

I remember AI was often criticized (unfairly perhaps?) for his steals.

[oarabbus]

Westbrook vs Iverson?

Damn thats a tough one but Westbrook wins. Not only would Westbrook murder the PHUCK out of AI in the post, he'd also do a better job at defending his opponent as well.

Sorry AI, you were good in your day, but Westbrook is going to finish this game as the GOAT PG to ever play it. Ever.




:biggums:

Magic Johnson
John Stockton
Big O
Isiah Thomas
John Stockton



He will be lucky to surpass Steve Nash or Jason Kidd much less the above.

[russwest0]

:biggums:

Magic Johnson
John Stockton
Big O
Isiah Thomas
John Stockton



He will be lucky to surpass Steve Nash or Jason Kidd much less the above.

Lucky to surpass STEVE NASH...?

:lol :lol :lol :lol

JASON KIDD????????

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

We're talking about RUSSELL WESTBROOK dude quit playing :lol

[Pointguard]

Scoring: AI right now (he took a huge volume of shots and was not efficient, let's see how Westbrook does in this role)
Rebounding: Westbrook
Passing: wash
Defense: Westbrook
athleticism: Westbrook
handles: AI

You are aware that Westbrook wins out on Kobe in almost the same way. Except that Westbrook is a better passer than Kobe. Are you willing to say Westbrook is better than Kobe?

[miggyme1]

Scoring: AI right now (he took a huge volume of shots and was not efficient, let's see how Westbrook does in this role)
Rebounding: Westbrook
Passing: wash
Defense: Westbrook
athleticism: Westbrook
handles: AI

Westbrook in the Playoffs last year had a good run and is comparable to any run AI put up. 27/7/8/2 is no joke. AI can put up higher scoring numbers but let's be honest, Westbrook is much more athletic, is bigger, stronger and brings more to the table than Iverson did. I know that AI had games, where he just controlled everything and no one could check him, but he also had a ton of bad shooting games that hurt his teams...

Westbrook is a similar type player when you give him the ball, both are similar in terms of shooting efficiency as well, Westbrook might be a better pure shooter, but AI took thousands of jump shots per season and shot horribly on them overall...


It's too early to tell who's the better player, but I think when it's all said and done, Russell will be the better of the two.

u have to be no older than 16...lmao...passing is a wash?....ai far better passer when he wanted to pass...make no mistake about that...handles? when did handles become a main stat for whos better?lmao..wtf?? anyway ai is far superior and westbrook aint catching him...if the sixers dont run into the lakers in 2001 ai would have a ring...simple as that

[Nike D'Antoni]

They both have low FG %. Both are not good defensively. Both are always questioned in "making teammates better", or having bball IQ.

[TheGoatest]

Probably the two most polarizing players in the history of the NBA. For every good you can say about them, there is an equal and opposite bad you can say about them, like some Newtonian law shit.

[Baller789]

Probably the two most polarizing players in the history of the NBA. For every good you can say about them, there is an equal and opposite bad you can say about them, like some Newtonian law shit.

Not even close to as polarizing as Lebron is.

[TheGoatest]

Not even close to as polarizing as Lebron is.

Usually you get salty if LeBron/Jordan is mentioned in a thread that is about ONE player. This one is about TWO, neither of which are LeBron and you mentioned him out of thin air. :oldlol:
If you could only use the real-estate LeBron occupies in your head to build a house. Then you could move out of your parents' basement. :roll:

[Baller789]

Usually you get salty if LeBron/Jordan is mentioned in a thread that is about ONE player. This one is about TWO, neither of which are LeBron and you mentioned him out of thin air. :oldlol:
If you could only use the real-estate LeBron occupies in your head to build a house. Then you could move out of your parents' basement. :roll:

Certified meltdown. :roll:

[TheGoatest]

Certified meltdown. :roll:

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/elmo-tl_dr.gif

[Baller789]

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/elmo-tl_dr.gif

Sure you didn't. :oldlol:

[TheGoatest]

Sure you didn't. :oldlol:

See you in the next thread where you mention LeBron out of thin air. :oldlol:

[Baller789]

See you in the next thread where you mention LeBron out of thin air. :oldlol:

But I thought you didn't read?

:yaohappy:

[TheGoatest]

Did someone post something? I can't read stupid.

[hateraid]

Scoring: AI right now (he took a huge volume of shots and was not efficient, let's see how Westbrook does in this role)
Rebounding: Westbrook
Passing: wash
Defense: Westbrook
athleticism: Westbrook
handles: AI

Westbrook in the Playoffs last year had a good run and is comparable to any run AI put up. 27/7/8/2 is no joke. AI can put up higher scoring numbers but let's be honest, Westbrook is much more athletic, is bigger, stronger and brings more to the table than Iverson did. I know that AI had games, where he just controlled everything and no one could check him, but he also had a ton of bad shooting games that hurt his teams...

Westbrook is a similar type player when you give him the ball, both are similar in terms of shooting efficiency as well, Westbrook might be a better pure shooter, but AI took thousands of jump shots per season and shot horribly on them overall...


It's too early to tell who's the better player, but I think when it's all said and done, Russell will be the better of the two.


Usually you get salty if LeBron/Jordan is mentioned in a thread that is about ONE player. This one is about TWO, neither of which are LeBron and you mentioned him out of thin air. :oldlol:
If you could only use the real-estate LeBron occupies in your head to build a house. Then you could move out of your parents' basement. :roll:

Nailed it