one stupid move gutting this team for westbrook

[mr. dee]

I'd far rather go after an underrated player than waste assets on an overrated player.  I think there's a distinct chance Westbrook gets exposed this season.  I'd rather not that happen at our expense.

Like he got exposed all those times Durant was injured huh?

Yes.  Exactly.  Like him leading the Thunder to the lottery with Durant injured and shooting 42% in the process (a ghastly 29% from three) while leading the league in turnovers.   

Distinct chance he leads the Thunder to the lotto again this year without Durant carrying him.   Better it happen in Oklahoma than have it happen here.  I'm not sure how good Westbrook will look with a normal usage rate in an offense that puts a priority on ball movement and shooting.  I'd rather not take that chance.  I'm fine with signing him as a free agent next Summer, but I wouldn't support paying a fool's ransom for a top 15-20 player being mislabeled as a superstar.

That year the Thunder played 14 games when neither Westbrook or Durant played.  They were 4-10 in those games.  They were 23-18 in games in which Westbrook played but Durant didn't and 18-9 in games when both Durant and Westbrook played.  So it is a bit disingenuous to not account for the 14 games when neither Westbrook or Durant played. 

Westbrook didn't actually lead the league in turnovers.  He finished 3rd, though his turnover percentage was actually lower that season than the year on other side of it (though I know you meant TPG which he did lead the league, of course 2nd was Cousins, 3rd was Harden, 4th was James - I think that company is fine).  Turnovers tend to happen when your usage rate is so high.  He was 2nd in PER, 3rd in VORP, and led the league in BPM.  He led the league in PPG, was 2nd in SPG, and was 4th in APG and finished 4th in MVP voting despite only playing in 67 games (he was 4th in MVP voting this year as well).  His eFG% was just under 54% which is quite respectable. 

This notion that a player that has finished consecutive seasons in the top 5 for MVP voting is overrated is just silly nonsense.

I'll take MVP votings with a grain of salt. Didn't Carmelo and Kevin Love made it in the top 10 years ago?

[LilRip]

Why is everyone convinced that Russell Westbrook is headed to LA? Sure he's from there but why would he go to that situation? If anything, I think Miami could be a dark horse next year in getting Russ. They have Whiteside, Winslow, coach Spo and Pat Riley.

If we could get a wink wink deal, I would trade Smart and a couple of firsts for RW (one of them being the BKN picks, another being a late first). Obviously, the concern with how he meshes on the roster is a huge cause of concern so this deal would absolutely need CBS' sign off.

[PaulP34]

Why is everyone convinced that Russell Westbrook is headed to LA? Sure he's from there but why would he go to that situation? If anything, I think Miami could be a dark horse next year in getting Russ. They have Whiteside, Winslow, coach Spo and Pat Riley.

If we could get a wink wink deal, I would trade Smart and a couple of firsts for RW (one of them being the BKN picks, another being a late first). Obviously, the concern with how he meshes on the roster is a huge cause of concern so this deal would absolutely need CBS' sign off.

No. I'm against this move. Those Brooklyn picks are to build a future contender, not to waste it on a one year rental. That's the dumbest move. **** Westbrook, let LA trade their future for him. Let's build a contender through the draft. I'm patient. No rush here. I can't see wasting players n a lottery pick on Westbrook unless he signs a 4 year deal. That would be an idiotic move.

[PaulP34]

Think i would throw up if we gave real assets for westbrook and he walked to The fakers

Yeah screw that I'm all set. Stay the pace n use our assets wisely.