Russell Westbrook naysayers, “Where you be at?”
Russell Westbrook deserves a lot of credit for the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s been stepping as a leader on the team, and has increased his defensive intensity. Along with Thabo Sefolosha, Westbrook has been able to stymie Tony Parker’s offense this series. It’s time for everyone to acknowledge him as one of the elite point guards in the NBA. Now I’m not saying he’s Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo, but he’s in the next tier. One thing that is not debatable is that he’s clearly better than Derrick Rose1.
All the “Derrick Rose is better than Westbrook people” where you be at? I know you’ll are out there, because anytime I tell you the truth about your limited super hero. You bite my face off like a dude on bath salts. So where are you? Perhaps you’re at home, running the back game 5 and marveling at a midrange jump shot that actually goes in. Whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re taking in what’s happening. So the next time you try to argue that Rose is better you know how ridiculous you sound.
Now that it is undeniable that Russell Westbrook is an elite point guard. He’s starting to win the battle of public perception. I find it funny that all those people who said, “Westbrook was a ball hog” and “The Thunder can’t win with Russell running the point” are remarkably silent. Where did all if you’ll go? You’ll were so loud when you thought you were right. Now you’re that loser at the park that takes his ball and goes home. Are you busy watching ESPN First Take, so Skip Bayless can form your next argument? An argument that you will inevitably use at a bar on some unsuspecting guy, that just wanted to go to Red Lobster to enjoy those garlic/butter/cheese biscuits2. In case you’re wondering, that guy is a dope. And if I happen to run into that guy I’m going Metta World Peace on him. Then I will raise my hands to profess my innocence in (Gary Payton style).
With everything being said, I will readily admit (that’s right I’m readily admitting something in the last paragraph. I should be World Peaced right now) that Russell Westbrook did have things in his game that needed to be changed. However I don’t think it had anything to do with him shooting less or passing more. That’s evident by his numbers. He’s actually average close to the same amount of shots and assists that he did last year. The change is Russell Westbrook’s decision making. He now picks his spots, and has a better sense for the moment. Consequently he turns the ball over less, and gives the Thunder a better chance to win3. Will that be the formula that leads Oklahoma City to a championship this year? Maybe, but regardless Russell Westbrook is on the right track.
1. Click here for my position on the 2011 MVP 2. Those biscuits are delicious. They should close Red Lobster and franchise those biscuits. 3. This time last year Russell Westbrook had 62 turnovers in the playoffs. Currently he has 29 turnovers.
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