Would Westbrook be better or worse without Durant?

Westbrook is probably the best 'second-fiddle' we have in the NBA that we haven't seen have his own team... We all know how much Kobe had to restrain himself when he was 1B to Shaq (see 2001 playoff numbers), and what we saw him do when he had the team to himself

Would Westbrook be even less efficient, or break out with more performances like the 1 in Miami in the Finals if he weren't playing with 3-time-scoring-champ-at-23-WTF Kevin Durant and on a team where he didnt have to be primary PG all the time (monta ellis)?
Would he be comparable to Rose?

KJ MonK wrote:Would he be comparable to Rose?

No, because a big part of what makes Rose who he is is his approach and attitude. He takes full responsibility for things that aren't even his fault. He has an incredible work ethic. Westbrook pouts, points the finger, and has gotten into it with his coach and teammates time and time again.

I think Westbrook can be a very good player on a bad team or a bottom tier playoff team. I don't see him ever leading a franchise to the promise land as long as he's the face of a franchise.

On the flip side, I think Durant would be much better off without Westbrook.

Westbrook would be fine. If anything I think he doesn't get enough credit for how much easier he makes the game on Durant.

He benefits from the space Durant gives him, and vice versa.

I like Westbrook, he was the only one on his team with balls in the Finals. But something about him reminds me of a talented Chucky Atkins.

hes somewhat in a kobe situation, possible #1 option stuck behind a great player.

YES KOBE IS BETTER but you should understand what im getting at.

He'd be the same unless he was the clear #1 and there were no other options, like he played for Charlotte or something.

The bigger question is would Durant be better or worse, and I think the answer there is clear: better. Give Durant a real PG, not a SG/PG, and he'd be a better offensive player. Which is kind of scary.

The better question is how much better would Durant and OKC be without Westbrook?.... He's a stat machine but he's also ball dominant and the second best scorer on that team.... Let's not even get into his mental approach.... or lack thereof.... He's a lot like Melo in the fact that he'll put up points but I don't think he'll lead a team anywhere on his own and just might hold a team back....

I think Westbrook and Durant actually complement each other. Westbrook is a fearless player who plays with a lot of fire, when in comparison Durant can be a little passive at times. Durant is a great player in his own right, but he is a pretty lousy passer, and is extremely turnover prone. So unlike Lebron who is a much better floor general, Durant actually needs a guy like Westbrook to handle the rock, attack the rim, and get his teammates open. Durant's ability to shoot from anywhere really opens up the game for Westbrook, and Durant seems to benefit greatly from having a guy like Westbrook keep defenses honest.

Russell can be just as good as Durant for stretches, and I remember thinking during the playoffs there were times where Russell was the best player on the same court Durant, Lebron, and Wade were standing on. He's a really good player, a star in his own right, and certainly plays the game with a lot more heart than a guy like Melo does.

Westbrook is definitely a top 10 player in this league, and he doesn't get enough credit for OKC's success. I'm not going to say he's as good as Rose, but he definitely proved he's a star during their finals run, and his numbers are right there.

I think the Westbrook hate stems from his obnoxious body language

Frank Dux wrote:I think Westbrook and Durant actually complement each other. Westbrook is a fearless player who plays with a lot of fire, when in comparison Durant can be a little passive at times. Durant is a great player in his own right, but he is a pretty lousy passer, and is extremely turnover prone. So unlike Lebron who is a much better floor general, Durant actually needs a guy like Westbrook to handle the rock, attack the rim, and get his teammates open. Durant's ability to shoot from anywhere really opens up the game for Westbrook, and Durant seems to benefit greatly from having a guy like Westbrook keep defenses honest.

Russell can be just as good as Durant for stretches, and I remember thinking during the playoffs there were times where Russell was the best player on the same court Durant, Lebron, and Wade were standing on. He's a really good player, a star in his own right, and certainly plays the game with a lot more heart than a guy like Melo does.

Westbrook is definitely a top 10 player in this league, and he doesn't get enough credit for OKC's success. I'm not going to say he's as good as Rose, but he definitely proved he's a star during their finals run, and his numbers are right there.

I think the Westbrook hate stems from his obnoxious body language

I agree with this 100 percent especially that last sentence. I've talked to alot of people. Avid basketball fans who say they think Westbrook is a terrific player, but they just hate how he carries himself on the basketball floor. I don't really mind it because the way I look at it our guy Kobe was kind of the same way when he was younger. As time went on and he got more and more experience he matured. I expect similar to happen with Russell.

I do think Westbrook gets far too much criticism. I do love his passion. He does take some questionable shots, but think about it if he doesn't who will on that team? We know Durant isn't overly aggressive so alot of times Westbrook has to jack it up 25-30 times. They don't have alot of offensive options so he must score big for them to be competitive against the elite teams in the league. At the end of day Westbrook isn't the reason Oklahoma City lost to Miami in last year's Finals. They simply weren't ready as a team to take that next step and win a championship yet.

The reason Westbrook gets hate:
1. His attitude.
2. His shooting volume with Durant on the team.
3. His lack of assists on a consistent basis.
4. His attitude.
5. His shooting percentage with Durant on the team.
6. The fact that he'll continue taking shots as the PG even if he's struggling.

Of course he's a talented guy, but all of those things are points of concern for me. Will he mature? Sure eventually. But so far he's been given absolutely no leash and no one has MADE him mature. Not even the supposed leader of the team, Durant.

A guy who will come down the floor, jack up a shot, brick it, and then do it again, while ignoring the scorer on the team... as a PG? I mean we forgive Kobe for those things, but he doesn't have Durant on his team. That'd be like Nash taking 20 shots while he's playing with Kobe. What are you doing? That's not your place.

I don't hate Westbrook but I can see that OKC would be better served with a true point guard and another scorer in the front court.... I'd trade him while some think he can still improve for those pieces.....

As I posted earlier... he's a lot like Melo.... he's got the talent to be a top player but the mental approach isn't there.... and I don't think it ever will be..... just like Melo.

Real's assessment is pretty spot on.... I would add that he also has shot them out of playoff games and when the pressure is on he is less than his best. His game is predicated on a style that isn't played deep in the playoffs.

I think a better question is..... "why all the love for Westbrook"?

He has a sick crossover
He's so strong to the hoop
He can break ankles
He's good at going to the hoop
He's so fast with the ball
He can get to the hoop on anyone


Notice there is no "team" aspect to his game that is touted as a reason to view him as a top player?.....

I think they both benefit each other, Westbrook has a terrible attitude sometimes, probably because the look at Durant as "the guy" and not him.