Westbrook the Unsung Hero

       Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the league, yet he does not get the credit he deserves. Westbrook plays on the Thunder with Superstar Kevin Durant and emerging stud Serge Ibaka. Westbrook's regular season's numbers were off the charts 21.0 PPG, 8.2APG, and 4.6 RPG. Westbrook has not been slacking in this year's first round playoff series vs. the Nuggets (Hence the 3-0 lead over Denver). It is safe to say that the Seattle Sonics (Now OKC Thunder) picking Westbrook out of UCLA with the #4 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft was not a reach.

        In the Thunder's first round playoff series, Westbrook is averaging 25 points, 7.3 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. He can shoot from all over the court as he has proved in the playoffs. (Over 86% from the charity stripe, over 46% from behind the arc, and over 44% from the field). While Westbrook benefits from playing with superstar Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, James Harden and the rest of the Thunder team, Durant and company certainly benefits from the play of Westbrook.

        Russell Westbrook is a super-athletic guard who can penetrate and draw fouls similar to MVP candidate Derrick Rose. Westbrook is one of the best rebounding guards in the league and a cream of the crop defender at his position. With a little work on his jump shot and better decision making, (less turnovers per game) Westbrook will be one of the best players in the league for years.


By Steven Spector - 4-24-11