[joe2324Participant]

Is Russell Westbrook what Derick Rose could have been without the injuries or is Russell just on another level right now? 

[TRC1991Participant]

I might be in the minority but I don’t think Rose ever had the quick explosive burst that Westbrook has. Westbrook has a 6th gear that I’ve never seen any other basketball player be able to access. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Before Rose injuries I showed my friend who doesn’t follow basketball highlights of both guys, and he was in awe of Westbrook athleticism more then Rose. My opnion it’s too close to call who is faster amongst the two, but during the time I would say Rose got up higher while Westbrook can take off from further distance. Westbrook has naturally gotten more athletic over time leading to his prime years, and Rose has deteriorated. 

[For_Never_EverParticipant]

 Before Rose injuries I showed my friend who doesn’t follow basketball highlights of both guys, and he was in awe of Westbrook athleticism more then Rose. My opnion it’s too close to call who is faster amongst the two, but during the time I would say Rose got up higher while Westbrook can take off from further distance. Westbrook has naturally gotten more athletic over time leading to his prime years, and Rose has deteriorated. 

[TRC1991Participant]

I might be in the minority but I don’t think Rose ever had the quick explosive burst that Westbrook has. Westbrook has a 6th gear that I’ve never seen any other basketball player be able to access. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

This is his Peak.  One of the best peaks for guards I think.  Why not compare him to MJ? Or Kobe?

the numbers are there. The wins are solid.  He passes the look test.  

Why can’t he be the MVP?  If it’s not him then it should go to Steph Curry if the Warriors get 67 or more wins.   Still not sold on James Harden.

another way to look at it for Westbrook? He’s in the HOF now.  Ridiculous run following the ASG MVP and he has also been to the Finals.  I think he is the first player from the 2008 class to punch his ticket to the HOF. 

Now the question is, who are going to be the two guards on the All NBA First Team? You have to pick between Russ, Steph, and Harden.  Probably guys 1-3 in the MVP race.  CP3 is probably 6th for the MVP but will have to settle for All NBA 2nd team.  

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

This is his Peak.  One of the best peaks for guards I think.  Why not compare him to MJ? Or Kobe?

the numbers are there. The wins are solid.  He passes the look test.  

Why can’t he be the MVP?  If it’s not him then it should go to Steph Curry if the Warriors get 67 or more wins.   Still not sold on James Harden.

another way to look at it for Westbrook? He’s in the HOF now.  Ridiculous run following the ASG MVP and he has also been to the Finals.  I think he is the first player from the 2008 class to punch his ticket to the HOF. 

Now the question is, who are going to be the two guards on the All NBA First Team? You have to pick between Russ, Steph, and Harden.  Probably guys 1-3 in the MVP race.  CP3 is probably 6th for the MVP but will have to settle for All NBA 2nd team.  

[llperez]

 i remember someone saying on here a few days before the all-star game when we were discussing snubs that westbrook shouldnt have been in the all-star game, smh.

[llperez]

 i remember someone saying on here a few days before the all-star game when we were discussing snubs that westbrook shouldnt have been in the all-star game, smh.

[theballerwayParticipant]

you then have to remember that Westbrook is also coming off two surgeries of his own. That’s where it get scary because what if he never got hurt at all. Interesting that’s all

[theballerwayParticipant]

you then have to remember that Westbrook is also coming off two surgeries of his own. That’s where it get scary because what if he never got hurt at all. Interesting that’s all

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I’ve heard a lot of people say "The level Westbrook is playing at this year is the same as Rose when he was an MVP", and I have to just shake my head. I can honestly say that this stretch by Westbrook is one of the most impressive feats I’ve ever seen, because he’s literally doing whatever he wants out there. The only other times that I can recall players still playing in the NBA reaching the level Westbrook is on is…

Paul Pierce– In 2006 Pierce had 13 strait games of 30+ points, breaking a long standing Celtics record. I’ll always remember this run because the last game to break the record Pierce hit a three over Gilbert Arenas at the buzzer for the win and 30 points. 

Kobe Bryant– The month of February in 2003 was one to be remembered for Kobe, as he had 9 strait games of 40+ points, including two games of 50+. The Lakers also went 9-3 that month. Honestly, one of the greatest streaks I’ve ever seen. Kobe also had a streak of 4 strait 50 point games in 2007. 

Steve Nash– In 2005 the Suns were the team to watch like the present day Warriors, and Nash was their Steph Curry. From Late January 2005 to early April Nash had 26 of 27games with 10+ assists, and the Suns only lost 6 games in that span going 21-6. He was also .03% away from joing the 50/40/90 club that year, and won the league MVP honors. 

Dirk Nowitzki– The 2010 playoffs will forever be burned into my head because of the storyline of Dirk’s hunger pitted against the villianous Miami Heat. I just remember Dirk being lights out that postseason, hitting crazy shot after crazy shot. He was nearly unguardable, and is the first player that I can think of that really lead his team to a championship without another definitive second star. 

LeBron James– In 2006 LeBron had 9 strait games of 35+ point. I’ll always remember that run because that was the year that LeBron really took off as the face of the NBA, and the Kobe vs LeBron debate really started to heat up as LeBron pulled an Iverson and dragged a team of offensive scrubs to the title games and lost to a supieror team. This isn’t the best run by LeBron, but just one that always stood out to me. 

Honorable mention to Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, as both of those have had too many great stretches in their hall of fame careers to mention. 

All the guys above have put up similar feats to Westbrook, and every single one of those guys are going to finish their careers on the NBA’s 50 greatest players list. Westbrooks dominance, which is sometimes over shadowed by his tenacity and selfishness at times, is on a level that quite frankly, we just don’t see very often. You can see the guy puts every ounce of his being into the game when he plays, and it’s hard not to wish the best for the guy. I don’t want to be to far fetched and say that comparing him to Rose is insulting, but the level that Westbrook is playing at right now is just on a whole other level.

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I’ve heard a lot of people say "The level Westbrook is playing at this year is the same as Rose when he was an MVP", and I have to just shake my head. I can honestly say that this stretch by Westbrook is one of the most impressive feats I’ve ever seen, because he’s literally doing whatever he wants out there. The only other times that I can recall players still playing in the NBA reaching the level Westbrook is on is…

Paul Pierce– In 2006 Pierce had 13 strait games of 30+ points, breaking a long standing Celtics record. I’ll always remember this run because the last game to break the record Pierce hit a three over Gilbert Arenas at the buzzer for the win and 30 points. 

Kobe Bryant– The month of February in 2003 was one to be remembered for Kobe, as he had 9 strait games of 40+ points, including two games of 50+. The Lakers also went 9-3 that month. Honestly, one of the greatest streaks I’ve ever seen. Kobe also had a streak of 4 strait 50 point games in 2007. 

Steve Nash– In 2005 the Suns were the team to watch like the present day Warriors, and Nash was their Steph Curry. From Late January 2005 to early April Nash had 26 of 27games with 10+ assists, and the Suns only lost 6 games in that span going 21-6. He was also .03% away from joing the 50/40/90 club that year, and won the league MVP honors. 

Dirk Nowitzki– The 2010 playoffs will forever be burned into my head because of the storyline of Dirk’s hunger pitted against the villianous Miami Heat. I just remember Dirk being lights out that postseason, hitting crazy shot after crazy shot. He was nearly unguardable, and is the first player that I can think of that really lead his team to a championship without another definitive second star. 

LeBron James– In 2006 LeBron had 9 strait games of 35+ point. I’ll always remember that run because that was the year that LeBron really took off as the face of the NBA, and the Kobe vs LeBron debate really started to heat up as LeBron pulled an Iverson and dragged a team of offensive scrubs to the title games and lost to a supieror team. This isn’t the best run by LeBron, but just one that always stood out to me. 

Honorable mention to Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, as both of those have had too many great stretches in their hall of fame careers to mention. 

All the guys above have put up similar feats to Westbrook, and every single one of those guys are going to finish their careers on the NBA’s 50 greatest players list. Westbrooks dominance, which is sometimes over shadowed by his tenacity and selfishness at times, is on a level that quite frankly, we just don’t see very often. You can see the guy puts every ounce of his being into the game when he plays, and it’s hard not to wish the best for the guy. I don’t want to be to far fetched and say that comparing him to Rose is insulting, but the level that Westbrook is playing at right now is just on a whole other level.

 

[chaParticipant]

 Rose exploding to the basket was literally a blur. Westbrook’s athleticism and explosiveness really shines when he decides to punish the rim and take flight. Rose finishes more acrobatically but still can finish over the top of any big men. 

[chaParticipant]

 Rose exploding to the basket was literally a blur. Westbrook’s athleticism and explosiveness really shines when he decides to punish the rim and take flight. Rose finishes more acrobatically but still can finish over the top of any big men. 

[omphalosParticipant]

 I think Rose is a lot less predictable with his athleticism, he changes direction on a dime really well, whereas Westbrook is a bit like Lebron where he just bullies his way through using speed and power.

Still very athletic, but I’d still give the nod to Rose as far as athleticism at his peak.

Also, Rose had a better understanding of team play and knew how to mix up his attack a bit more.

Westbrook is still playing the same way he did before, he’s just getting a little more efficient and having more opportunities, you don’t see him adding elements to his game every season like Rose was early on.

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 I think Rose is a lot less predictable with his athleticism, he changes direction on a dime really well, whereas Westbrook is a bit like Lebron where he just bullies his way through using speed and power.

Still very athletic, but I’d still give the nod to Rose as far as athleticism at his peak.

Also, Rose had a better understanding of team play and knew how to mix up his attack a bit more.

Westbrook is still playing the same way he did before, he’s just getting a little more efficient and having more opportunities, you don’t see him adding elements to his game every season like Rose was early on.

 

 

 

 

 

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