I like Westbrook as a player, but it's just wrong to give up any assets for him.
Westbrook is one of the prime examples of how the rule changes have benefitted athletic scoring PGs, but that also means that whatever he can give you can be somewhat replicated by lesser, and more importantly, cheaper players (see IT). The NBA is loaded at the PG position.
I think in general, Westbrook has become incredibly overrated by being the guy who stole all these shot attempts from KD on national TV. He's good, but not BRK pick good.
So Jaylen Brown will be better? Our next two Nets picks could be the 5th pick and the 7th pick for all we know.
I'll take fifth next year. One of the deepest drafts in history. Could get a substantial player throughout the lottery.
Fair enough.
The only thing you pass up a likely (if indeed "likely" is correct) future superstar for is a current superstar. The only question is whether one thinks Westbrook is a superstar.
Frankly, I think it's hard to argue against him being a top ten player in the league. By most observers accounts he is top 5.
The ONLY question I have is whether (and why) people here think the our current team with Westbrook is as good as (I'll take as good as) OKC 2015-16. If there is a rationale that convinces me that our current team with Westbrook is as good as last year's OKC team, then I am on board without hesitation. Last year's OKC team was definitely good enough to win a title.
If we are still a player away, I have some hesitation -- reason being I don't know where that player comes from and we've expended our best future assets (presuming it will take both Brooklyns to get him). With no Westbrook and the Brooklyn picks in hand, it is definitely possible that the picks increase in value at trade deadline or after the 2017 lottery. Concurrently, DA can add through free agency.