Is Russell Westbrook the Lebron James of point guards?

[RicanThunder]

After watching his performances for this season, I’m beginning to wonder whether Russell Westbrook can be the Lebron James of point guards. The things that separate Lebron from everyone else is his skill set, size, strength, and freakish athletic ability. Some of these qualities are taught, while some are innate. These tools have given James the opportunity to earn 2 MVP’s and lead his team to an NBA Finals. Can Russell Westbrook be on this same path?

First off, comparing the two on a 1 to 1 basis is not what I’m intending to do here. While a one on one game between the two would be entertaining, I’m sure Lebron’s size and strength advantage would trump Russell’s athleticism and quickness. It is after all, basketball, where the player who is closest to the rim (taller) has the advantage most of the time. But, can the same things that give Lebron advantages, be the things that give Russell that extra edge and hopefully lead him to be one of the greats.

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[RoyalThunder]

premature

[thundafan]

Westbrook is a horrendous 3 point shooter..like so bad he should never attempt one. Does that mean he's not a spectacular player? No, because he is definitely is, but that's one weapon he lacks that would make him even better and one thing that sets Lebron apart from him.

[PublicEnemy]

derek rose is still the naturally better PG....and he's stronger around the rim

[Jimmy Early]

derek rose is still the naturally better PG....and he's stronger around the rim

You're kidding, right? Westbrook is MUCH stronger around the rim (Rose is more "clever" than strong) and Westbrook is a better shooter, rebounder, much more ambidextrous and a better defender than Rose. Rose is a better distributor ("natural PG"), but in an even trade, I'd take Westbrook.

[slimjimzv]

You're kidding, right? Westbrook is MUCH stronger around the rim (Rose is more "clever" than strong) and Westbrook is a better shooter, rebounder, much more ambidextrous and a better defender than Rose. Rose is a better distributor ("natural PG"), but in an even trade, I'd take Westbrook.

It's a tough call right now . . and getting tougher all the time. I agree with you on most of those points, but I really disagree that Westbrook is a better shooter. Rose has better career stats and better stats this season.

This season:
Rose .448 fg%, .241 3pt%, 23.6 ppg
Westbrook .438 fg%, .154 3pt%, 23.7 ppg

Career:
Rose .481 fg%, .242 3pt%, 19.0 ppg
Westbrook .410 fg%, .244 3pt%, 16.1 ppg

All that being said, they're both awesome. I'm thrilled to have RW0, Chicago is thrilled to have Rose and we're both better off at the PG position than any team save the Jazz and Hornets (both debatable, but that's a whole other argument) and some would argue Celtics, but I'd take either over Rondo in a heartbeat.

[Thunder in NY]

They are two different players. Rose probably will end up being the better PG just because of his natural passing ability.

[sooner4ever]

Westbrook seems to be gaining maturity while James is losing it.

[PublicEnemy]

You're kidding, right? Westbrook is MUCH stronger around the rim (Rose is more "clever" than strong) and Westbrook is a better shooter, rebounder, much more ambidextrous and a better defender than Rose. Rose is a better distributor ("natural PG"), but in an even trade, I'd take Westbrook.

I see Rose getting more And 1's than Russell...who goes to the line a lot. That reverse layup that Rose has perfected is a great finishing move. Watching them in FIBA, Rose looked stronger, Russ looked more athlethic

[RicanThunder]

I think Rose is a better offensive player, but Russell is a better overall player (defense, rebounding, etc)

[REDL1NE]

I think Rose is a better offensive player, but Russell is a better overall player (defense, rebounding, etc)

Thats how I see it also. Id really like to see RW improve his 3 point % and add that to his arsenal. I love the aggressiveness this year.

[Laramie]

What are we missing here?

We are fortunate to have Durant and Westbrook; these guys are not competing to become the next Lebron or Rose. Durant and Westbrook will continue to improve as individuals. Comparisons about players make nice media talk and blogs.

Let's watch our Thunder become themselves and the rest of the league can take notes and make comparions to them. We have some really unique players; some are no where near their potential. Durant, Westbook, Green, Ibaka & Harden will soon break-out and when you put these guys together they will be awesome.

Established players like Krstic, Collison and Sefolosha are becoming more entergized. Nick Collison's leadership is becoming more apparent. Thabo Sefolosha is beginning to gain more offensive confidence as our team develops more cohesiveness.

It's not going to happen overnight. You can see the chemistry of these players evolving night after night and they will become more consistent.

Watchout Oklahoma City Thunder!