Why Westbrook won't (and shouldn't) win MVP

[trojanfan12]

To be fair, without WB, that team is probably in the bottom of the barrel. But I agree, Durant IS the MVP of that team. There's no doubt a healthy Durant would at least have this team in the 5th seed. At least.

Actually, OKC has a higher net rating with Westbrook in and KD out than they do with Westbrook out and KD in.

With Westbrook and KD, they have a net rating of 9.3
With Westbrook and no KD, they have a net rating of 5.8
With KD and no Westbrook, they have a net rating of -0.2

 

[Gooch1034]

If Westbrook can keep playing at this level, I don't see how he couldn't be a serious contender in the MVP race.

 

[Tubbs1518]

because he is probably averaging about as many TO a game as assist a game recently. He is putting up points on a team that doesn't really have anyone else to do it.

 

[69er]

Nonsense. You're holding against him the fact that the West is incredibly difficult. If OKC were in the East, they would be 1 game out of the 5 seed and 2 games out of the 4th seed. In fact, they'd only be 2.5 games from the 3 seed.

What's your point? The Pelicans and Suns would be in there, too.

Honestly, when you look at what AD has done with Pelicans, it has been just as impressive as WB, if not, more so. Pelicans have had it worse when it comes injuries, he has far less talent than what WB had and he doesnt have a Durant.

So if we're making a case for WB, AD should absolutely be in that conversation. And AD was actually in the conversation all year long whereas WB talks started in Jan/Feb.

Its also worth noting that Durant actually did a better job last year with less with WB.

 

[Wishbone]

Westbrook with yet another triple double. 12 points, 10 rebounds and 17 assists. Also had four steals and blocked two shots. He is doing this without Durant. Guy deserves the Mvp.

 

[thunderc]

For anyone to say a team has been hurt more by injuries than the Thunder is ridiculous.

 

[trojanfan12]

What's your point? The Pelicans and Suns would be in there, too.

Honestly, when you look at what AD has done with Pelicans, it has been just as impressive as WB, if not, more so. Pelicans have had it worse when it comes injuries, he has far less talent than what WB had and he doesnt have a Durant.

So if we're making a case for WB, AD should absolutely be in that conversation. And AD was actually in the conversation all year long whereas WB talks started in Jan/Feb.

Its also worth noting that Durant actually did a better job last year with less with WB.

The point is, you can't discount what Westbrook has done just because his team is looking at a low playoff seed. The net rating in post #61 shows how important Westbrook is to the Thunder.

Also, the Pelicans haven't had it worse than the Thunder as far as injuries. In case you missed it, Westbrook doesn't have Durant either, he's been shut down for the season and has been in and out of the lineup all season long.

No one said AD doesn't deserve consideration. The premise of the thread, however, is the Westbrook won't and shouldn't win the MVP. I disagree and stated why. I didn't say he would definitely win it or that there aren't others worthy of consideration. I'm just saying he deserves as much consideration as Curry, Davis, CP3 or anyone else.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

For anyone to say a team has been hurt more by injuries than the Thunder is ridiculous.

Actually, a lot of teams are pretty banged up this year. Obviously no one as important or good as KD is out, but the Pelicans losing Davis, Holiday & Anderson along with Asik and Evans missing games here and there have slowed them down quite a bit.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

The Spurs have been crushed by injuries all season.
Parker, Mills, Splitter, Ginobili (currently out again), and Leonard all missed large chunks of time.

Leonard was particularly painful as the Spurs are not overly athletic. He is the only athletic type on the team.
Ginobili was once upon a time a great athlete...but at 37 not as much anymore...everyone else is okay.
They struggled mightily at times all season while he was constantly in and out dealing with crap.

Suprisingly, it was the iron man oldest player in the league who stayed reasonably upright.
Tim Duncan's amazing time defying defensive season practically kept them alive for the first 2/3 by himself.

The preferred starting lineup (Parker, Green, Leonard, Duncan, Splitter) has only played 16 games.
They are 13-3 in those games though.

 

[Gooch1034]

because he is probably averaging about as many TO a game as assist a game recently. He is putting up points on a team that doesn't really have anyone else to do it.

If he was only scoring points, I would agree but he is throwing triple doubles up every night and making the scrubs around him better.

 

[Mecca]

Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird praised Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook.

Per ESPN, Here's a young man that has had serious injuries -- bad knee injuries throughout his career -- yet every time he walks on the court, you know you're going to get 100 percent from him. He attacks, he's fearless and he plays the way it should be played, so I'm all for him. I hope he wins 10 MVPs in a row. I just love players that compete on a nightly basis and really take the challenge to their opponents.

 

[gordontrue]

Westbrook just seems like one of those guys who, for whatever reason, is always seen through black-tinted glasses. I don't get it.

For every Durant or Chris Paul who are always seen through rose-tinted glasses... there's a Westbrook who is always seen through black-tinted glasses.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Parker is garbage this year. Can't believe people had him as a top 5 PG before the season just because of what his team accomplished… but Leonard? That dude is underrated as hell, he is one of the best two-way players in the NBA.

 

[Wamu]

If Westbrook can keep playing at this level, I don't see how he couldn't be a serious contender in the MVP race.

What Westbrook has done lately is incredible. Steph Curry on the other hand is also having a damn good season & has led his team to the Pacific division title for the first time in close to 40 years & the Warriors will have the # 1 seed in the brutal Western Conference. No disrespect to what RW has done but Curry due to his teams success should be the MVP.

 

[Gooch1034]

What Westbrook has done lately is incredible. Steph Curry on the other hand is also having a damn good season & has led his team to the Pacific division title for the first time in close to 40 years & the Warriors will have the # 1 seed in the brutal Western Conference. No disrespect to what RW has done but Curry due to his teams success should be the MVP.

I don't disagree at all really. I don't think the Warriors history should have anything to do with it however. All I was saying that Westbrook definitely deserves to be in the MVP discussion. Especially if he keeps up his ridiculous numbers.

 

[Wamu]

I don't disagree at all really. I don't think the Warriors history should have anything to do with it however. All I was saying that Westbrook definitely deserves to be in the MVP discussion. Especially if he keeps up his ridiculous numbers.

I do agree that the Warriors history shouldn't be a factor in voting, just mentioned it because I didn't realize it's been that long since they won the division. And w/o a doubt RW has to be in the MVP talk. If he doesn't win it he should come in 2nd I'd think.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

Curry is playing with about 5 dudes who could be all-stars. He has a ridiculous supporting cast.
GSW would win 50 games without him.

Harden is playing with nobody essentially since Howard missed 2 months and is fighting for the 3 seed.
Houston would be a mediocre mess without him and unlikely to finish above .500.

Westbrook is playing with nobody (since KD took this year off) and is fighting for the 8 seed.
OKC would be the #1 pick in the 2015 draft without him.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Curry is playing with about 5 dudes who could be all-stars. He has a ridiculous supporting cast.
GSW would win 50 games without him.

Harden is playing with nobody essentially since Howard missed 2 months and is fighting for the 3 seed.
Houston would be a mediocre mess without him and unlikely to finish above .500.

Westbrook is playing with nobody (since KD took this year off) and is fighting for the 8 seed.
OKC would be the #1 pick in the 2015 draft without him.

On what planet? He has two all-stars alongside him. Lee, Barnes, Iggy & Bogut are all just solid role players.

Westbrook had Ibaka the entire year until now who also has played like an all-star the past 3 years plus KD did help out in some games this year… now Kanter, Adams and Waiters chipping in.

 

[69er]

The point is, you can't discount what Westbrook has done just because his team is looking at a low playoff seed. The net rating in post #61 shows how important Westbrook is to the Thunder.

Also, the Pelicans haven't had it worse than the Thunder as far as injuries. In case you missed it, Westbrook doesn't have Durant either, he's been shut down for the season and has been in and out of the lineup all season long.

No one said AD doesn't deserve consideration. The premise of the thread, however, is the Westbrook won't and shouldn't win the MVP. I disagree and stated why. I didn't say he would definitely win it or that there aren't others worthy of consideration. I'm just saying he deserves as much consideration as Curry, Davis, CP3 or anyone else.

First of all, the Pelicans have had it worse with injuries this season.

Second, Westbrook without Durant vs teams .500 or above is 5-10 (before Spurs game). And I think OKc has improved their roster compared to what they had early in the year. Durant is their MVP.

With that being said, Westbrook is actually my favorite non-Warrior player. IMO he does ball hog (and yes, I see his assists but his usage rate is ridiculous) and his team would benefit more if he learns to be less selfish. That quote from Larry Bird is why I love WB, can never knock him for his hustle. But even with Durant in the picture, Ive noticed there WB doesnt give it to Durant enough (Durant would benefit more with a better coach and more unselfish player)

But, Ill be damned if Harden wins, I hate that asshole. Ruins the game of basketball so I wont be mad if WB wins it as long as thatpiece of shit that relies on whistles gets it, Id be fine with WB over him.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Actually, OKC has a higher net rating with Westbrook in and KD out than they do with Westbrook out and KD in.

With Westbrook and KD, they have a net rating of 9.3
With Westbrook and no KD, they have a net rating of 5.8
With KD and no Westbrook, they have a net rating of -0.2

shows what certain stats tell you