Russell Westbrook versus James Harden

[ScoobyDoo]

"Russell" Westbrook "might" be a better player but I'm not convinced he's a better fit for this OKC team. I remember when the team had harden and was it "Eric Minor?" - these two guys could come off the bench and create for other players  - a skill that neither Durant or Westbrook are terrific at.

I think Harden and Durant on the wings with Jackson, or any other good point guard distributing would just be so difficult. Westbrook strikes me primarily as a 1on 1 player who doesn't make players around him that much better. Harden's play making ability from the two spot, in addition to his scoring capability is the game changer for me. His defense may not be what Westbrook's is, but Sefalosha can assist there.

 

[Who]

was it "Eric Minor?"

Eric Maynor is the name you're trying to remember.

[D.o.s.]

[Harden's]defense may not be what Westbrook's is...

[jambr380]

Westbrook has always been the better player and frankly it isn't that close.  That said, you can't do this hypothetical without knowing what trade was out there for Oklahoma City.  I mean if you are talking about trading Westbrook for Rondo (or maybe something like Conley and Allen) and keeping Harden and Durant, then sure that team would have been better, but that team also still has all of the cap problems that OKC wanted to avoid by trading Harden anyway.

As it turns out, OKC's return of Martin and a couple of first rounders really didn't amount to much. If they had traded Harden for say, Bradley Beal, then the OKC machine might still be alive and running strong. Obviously they are still a very good team, but they really could be unstoppable.

[ScoobyDoo]

Personally I'll be surprised if OKC wins a title as constructed. I just think Westbrook's a bad fit for Durant. He has too much of wanting to be "the man" in him. KD's the only man on that team, what he needs is good complimentary players around him.

If I could trade Westbrook for a sharp shooting two guard and a a solid back up SF for KD, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Someone along the lines of Klay Thompson and the right SF piece.