8 things so far

 One of the reasons Harden, Sefolosha, and so many of their players seem to be struggling is that they don’t move the ball.  Westbrook seems to take way to many pull up jumpers.  He just had a very poor game against the Celtics.  Many people on this site claim that Westbrook is on the level of Derrick Rose, but I don’t see that.  There is no way he could score as efficiently as Rose if he was the pg of the Bulls.  There were at least 8 offensive possessions for the Thunder during which only no player but Westbrook touched the ball in the 3rd quarter alone.  Two were steals in which Westbrook got into the open court, but on others he turned the ball over or shot an aill-advised contested pull-up jumper, which he made sometimes, but missed too many to warrant his forgetting how to pass.  Durant also is a phenominal scorer, but it doesn’t help that he doesn’t always look to pass.  

 One of the reasons Harden, Sefolosha, and so many of their players seem to be struggling is that they don’t move the ball.  Westbrook seems to take way to many pull up jumpers.  He just had a very poor game against the Celtics.  Many people on this site claim that Westbrook is on the level of Derrick Rose, but I don’t see that.  There is no way he could score as efficiently as Rose if he was the pg of the Bulls.  There were at least 8 offensive possessions for the Thunder during which only no player but Westbrook touched the ball in the 3rd quarter alone.  Two were steals in which Westbrook got into the open court, but on others he turned the ball over or shot an aill-advised contested pull-up jumper, which he made sometimes, but missed too many to warrant his forgetting how to pass.  Durant also is a phenominal scorer, but it doesn’t help that he doesn’t always look to pass.  

I agree with every single last one of these observations.

I agree with every single last one of these observations.

Yea… I’m not feeling Westbrook’s play. He has bad shot selection and still makes poor decisions with the ball… Overpenetrating, bad shots… He’s somewhat selfish and tries to do way too much. His shots aren’t in the flow of the game at all.

Yea… I’m not feeling Westbrook’s play. He has bad shot selection and still makes poor decisions with the ball… Overpenetrating, bad shots… He’s somewhat selfish and tries to do way too much. His shots aren’t in the flow of the game at all.

I agree with all of them except for a teeny tiny smidgen of comment #6.

Sefolosha brings next to nothing OFFENSIVELY, but on the defensive side of the court, the dude is top notch. With basically zero inside defensive presence on the floor, the Thunder need someone who can keep their man from getting to the bucket time after time. Thabo can do that.

I agree with all of them except for a teeny tiny smidgen of comment #6.

Sefolosha brings next to nothing OFFENSIVELY, but on the defensive side of the court, the dude is top notch. With basically zero inside defensive presence on the floor, the Thunder need someone who can keep their man from getting to the bucket time after time. Thabo can do that.

the thunder has two stars(yest westbrook is a star hes not just a ok player)

im one who says westbrook is on the level and/or past rose. because he plays on the other side of the ball as well as score(yeah 20ppg is very nice).Some of  the ones that dont like wetbrook always has a excuse. the first year it was "he does it on a bad team while rose does it on a good team" the next year it was "because he has durant so its easier for him" instead of giving him his due theres some non legit excuse. then theres the " he couldnt be a first option like rose can" which is something no one knows unless you switch the two players which hasnt happened so no one knows . what we do know is westbrook can play defense,score,rebound,and pass and hes gotten better every year but a nice margin

what no one mentions with rose is that the bulls are a better team when hes getting others involved instead of trying to score alot. just like westbrook/mayo/gordan rose is a second option if you really wanna contend hes not in the class with dwill/wade/cp3/kobe and his defense is still average to below average while being a bad three point shooter and average midrange shooter(like westbrook) when the bias opinion is cut out its pretty obvious that the race is alot closer then some will admit

the thunder has two stars(yest westbrook is a star hes not just a ok player)

im one who says westbrook is on the level and/or past rose. because he plays on the other side of the ball as well as score(yeah 20ppg is very nice).Some of  the ones that dont like wetbrook always has a excuse. the first year it was "he does it on a bad team while rose does it on a good team" the next year it was "because he has durant so its easier for him" instead of giving him his due theres some non legit excuse. then theres the " he couldnt be a first option like rose can" which is something no one knows unless you switch the two players which hasnt happened so no one knows . what we do know is westbrook can play defense,score,rebound,and pass and hes gotten better every year but a nice margin

what no one mentions with rose is that the bulls are a better team when hes getting others involved instead of trying to score alot. just like westbrook/mayo/gordan rose is a second option if you really wanna contend hes not in the class with dwill/wade/cp3/kobe and his defense is still average to below average while being a bad three point shooter and average midrange shooter(like westbrook) when the bias opinion is cut out its pretty obvious that the race is alot closer then some will admit

i’ve watched 2 memphis games, and they have missed zach rtandolph quite a bit. He finally had a good game his last game so him coming back to the zach we know will certainly help them. WHats more troubling for them should be that hasheem thabeet hasnt shown improvement and looks like a coplete bust still.

And philly will be fine after a rough start. They have won 2 in a row. Holiday got off to a rough start but has averaged 24ppg in the two wins and his overall game is showing the signs of a breakout player that many expected before the season.

i’ve watched 2 memphis games, and they have missed zach rtandolph quite a bit. He finally had a good game his last game so him coming back to the zach we know will certainly help them. WHats more troubling for them should be that hasheem thabeet hasnt shown improvement and looks like a coplete bust still.

And philly will be fine after a rough start. They have won 2 in a row. Holiday got off to a rough start but has averaged 24ppg in the two wins and his overall game is showing the signs of a breakout player that many expected before the season.

oh yeah and number 9.

The lakers look like a great team(As seconded on espn radio this morning)…not just good but great. they have a great bench and nice starting back up shooter who can shoot and defends. Amuch improved shannon brown and a new and improved lamar odom. the scary thing for other teams????  Andrew Bynum hasnt played a game yet!!!!!

oh yeah and number 9.

The lakers look like a great team(As seconded on espn radio this morning)…not just good but great. they have a great bench and nice starting back up shooter who can shoot and defends. Amuch improved shannon brown and a new and improved lamar odom. the scary thing for other teams????  Andrew Bynum hasnt played a game yet!!!!!

The thunder have been overrated from the outset… The team the ‘pushed the lakers’ more than anyone else. yeah right. the lakers went into that series playing .500 basketball and it showed but they still won the series. the warriors wont make the playoffs. they havent played any great teams and its very very early. in the 2006-07 season the kings were 6-4 through 10 games and ended up missing the playoffs badly. the warriors still dont play defense. theyre better than they were last year with david lee up front and he fits that team perfectly but they wont be playoff worthy at all.

The thunder have been overrated from the outset… The team the ‘pushed the lakers’ more than anyone else. yeah right. the lakers went into that series playing .500 basketball and it showed but they still won the series. the warriors wont make the playoffs. they havent played any great teams and its very very early. in the 2006-07 season the kings were 6-4 through 10 games and ended up missing the playoffs badly. the warriors still dont play defense. theyre better than they were last year with david lee up front and he fits that team perfectly but they wont be playoff worthy at all.

Agreed. I said this all summer. Alot of people figured because they played well against the lakers(still lost 4-2) that they were better then they actually were, what they forget is that okc was just a bad match up for the lakers and more than likely would have lost in the first round to any other top west team and probably wouldnt have been as close. they are still a up and coming team but not as good as Some people (even experts) think they are and they are even worst now because they somehow forgot how to play defense

Agreed. I said this all summer. Alot of people figured because they played well against the lakers(still lost 4-2) that they were better then they actually were, what they forget is that okc was just a bad match up for the lakers and more than likely would have lost in the first round to any other top west team and probably wouldnt have been as close. they are still a up and coming team but not as good as Some people (even experts) think they are and they are even worst now because they somehow forgot how to play defense

Wright has always been a good scorer, I didn’t understand why he wasn’t getting more minutes in Miami, he shoots about 88% from the free throw line last season too.  Kid can shoot.

Wright has always been a good scorer, I didn’t understand why he wasn’t getting more minutes in Miami, he shoots about 88% from the free throw line last season too.  Kid can shoot.

From the outside it may appear that way with Wright.

Trust me, seen him 25-30 times in person over the years. He is shooting 54 % from three, theres your answer. No way he keeps that up. Kid cant dribble, cant change direction, and to be honest over the years I’ve seen him struggle just catching the ball. Im serious. I could score 10 in Golden State. He is the definition of a workout/youtube wonder because in layup lines you are thinking who on earth is that guy, he looks like a player. Then he goes out and has 7 points, 4 boards, and 2 turnovers a game.

He was ok as a wing defender but doesnt even move laterally that well. He is pretty much a 6’8 spot up shooter who is lanky and will look raw with an occassional putback but thats all he will do. I love the Heat, and usually all of thier players, but after 2 season I gave up on Wright. He is a homeless mans James Posey, and us getting James Jones was a huge upgrade for the role of 6’8 spot up shooter.

From the outside it may appear that way with Wright.

Trust me, seen him 25-30 times in person over the years. He is shooting 54 % from three, theres your answer. No way he keeps that up. Kid cant dribble, cant change direction, and to be honest over the years I’ve seen him struggle just catching the ball. Im serious. I could score 10 in Golden State. He is the definition of a workout/youtube wonder because in layup lines you are thinking who on earth is that guy, he looks like a player. Then he goes out and has 7 points, 4 boards, and 2 turnovers a game.

He was ok as a wing defender but doesnt even move laterally that well. He is pretty much a 6’8 spot up shooter who is lanky and will look raw with an occassional putback but thats all he will do. I love the Heat, and usually all of thier players, but after 2 season I gave up on Wright. He is a homeless mans James Posey, and us getting James Jones was a huge upgrade for the role of 6’8 spot up shooter.

 Stanfordhoops, you must be crazy. Rose is averaging a double double so far, and his 3pt shot has definitely improved while Westbrook, plays on the other side as well, but is only averaging about 20pts 6 assists, 6 rebounds. Oh yeah Westbrook is definitely better than Rose? What are you talking about you are crazy. You have obviously not seen Rose play. He is a beast. Him, Rondo, Dwill, and CP3 are all on the same level and are the best PG’s in the league. Westbrook isn’t even close to being on the same level as Rose nor will he ever be. Note: When a player averages a double double he is better than someone who does not average a double double, and will always be better.

 Stanfordhoops, you must be crazy. Rose is averaging a double double so far, and his 3pt shot has definitely improved while Westbrook, plays on the other side as well, but is only averaging about 20pts 6 assists, 6 rebounds. Oh yeah Westbrook is definitely better than Rose? What are you talking about you are crazy. You have obviously not seen Rose play. He is a beast. Him, Rondo, Dwill, and CP3 are all on the same level and are the best PG’s in the league. Westbrook isn’t even close to being on the same level as Rose nor will he ever be. Note: When a player averages a double double he is better than someone who does not average a double double, and will always be better.

how has roses three point shot improved when hes shooting 25percent???..didnt he shoot zero percent last year?..ive seen both play actually i recall seeing them both play head to head as well. you recall that?..for someone who isnt as close he sure did out play rose that game and it wasnt even close

no rose is not on the same level as dwill cp3  all those guys play defense as well as score, if he gets better in the next couple of years on defense and shooting then yea but right now hes far below cp3 and dwill at shooting and defense so how is he on the same level?

how has roses three point shot improved when hes shooting 25percent???..didnt he shoot zero percent last year?..ive seen both play actually i recall seeing them both play head to head as well. you recall that?..for someone who isnt as close he sure did out play rose that game and it wasnt even close

no rose is not on the same level as dwill cp3  all those guys play defense as well as score, if he gets better in the next couple of years on defense and shooting then yea but right now hes far below cp3 and dwill at shooting and defense so how is he on the same level?

When people talk about the best point guard in the nba (tv or fans) its ALWAYS cp3 and dwill not cp3 dwill and rose which shows you he is not on that level.

When people talk about the best point guard in the nba (tv or fans) its ALWAYS cp3 and dwill not cp3 dwill and rose which shows you he is not on that level.

"When a player averages a double double he is better than someone who does not average a double double, and will always be better."

so david lee is better than

dirk

durant

Al hortford is better than

amare

dirk durant

"When a player averages a double double he is better than someone who does not average a double double, and will always be better."

so david lee is better than

dirk

durant

Al hortford is better than

amare

dirk durant

Jason kidd is better than

nash dwill?

john wall is also better than  both those guys?

umm yeah that makes no sense. anyone that knows basketball knows that just because you average a double double it doesnt mean you are ALWAYS better then someone else especially after what 6 games?

Jason kidd is better than

nash dwill?

john wall is also better than  both those guys?

umm yeah that makes no sense. anyone that knows basketball knows that just because you average a double double it doesnt mean you are ALWAYS better then someone else especially after what 6 games?

this is what im talking about when i say bias. For someone to say a players three point shot has gotten better when they are shooting 25percent (5-20) just makes no sense. i dont wanna hear "well his form looks better" that doesnt matter if the ball still isnt going in. The form can look down right ugly but if it is going in then the guy can obviously shoot(micheal adams)

this is what im talking about when i say bias. For someone to say a players three point shot has gotten better when they are shooting 25percent (5-20) just makes no sense. i dont wanna hear "well his form looks better" that doesnt matter if the ball still isnt going in. The form can look down right ugly but if it is going in then the guy can obviously shoot(micheal adams)

" Taj Gibson is legit…I think he has the potential to be a Paul Millsap"

Not if you have watched Taj Gibson or Paul Millsap play basketball. Different style, different body, and completely inferior talent level.

" Taj Gibson is legit…I think he has the potential to be a Paul Millsap"

Not if you have watched Taj Gibson or Paul Millsap play basketball. Different style, different body, and completely inferior talent level.

There are definitely some homers here as well as some people playing favourite, blinded by the light of some great starts by some really awesome players…but..

Rose and Westbrook are two different players and people. They are both great. To order the best PG’s in the  league.. it would have to go down like this(but really depends on preference, do you like your guard to play tough D, score, have range to spread the D, shoot well from the line to finish the game, speed up the game, slow it down in half court, not turn over the ball, share the rock?).. if you gave each player a point for each this is what they’d score;

Paul(8), Nash(7), DWilliams(7), D Rose(5), Rondo(5), Curry(6), Westbrook(5), Billups(6), Wall(4), Holiday(3), Jennings(3), Parker(5). All great players with their own way of getting it done, all capable of playing for a championship with the right teammates around them(some are on a major upward trend to improve on things they are not consistent with). Which leads to my next point…

Has Durant’s slow start had anything to do with Westbrook’s? I mean if KD is shooting like 40% there goes like 3 asst a game possibly, and the rest of the team is not exactly playing like the Bulls have, Noah and Deng have both been on fire.

PS KD is a superstar(did anyone watch those two play batman and robin in the worlds?)make no mistake OKC is going to be a factor this year, but their biggest weakness is still the same. They need some inside post scoring and rebounding to give their stars room to operate, something the Bulls are rich with.

There are definitely some homers here as well as some people playing favourite, blinded by the light of some great starts by some really awesome players…but..

Rose and Westbrook are two different players and people. They are both great. To order the best PG’s in the  league.. it would have to go down like this(but really depends on preference, do you like your guard to play tough D, score, have range to spread the D, shoot well from the line to finish the game, speed up the game, slow it down in half court, not turn over the ball, share the rock?).. if you gave each player a point for each this is what they’d score;

Paul(8), Nash(7), DWilliams(7), D Rose(5), Rondo(5), Curry(6), Westbrook(5), Billups(6), Wall(4), Holiday(3), Jennings(3), Parker(5). All great players with their own way of getting it done, all capable of playing for a championship with the right teammates around them(some are on a major upward trend to improve on things they are not consistent with). Which leads to my next point…

Has Durant’s slow start had anything to do with Westbrook’s? I mean if KD is shooting like 40% there goes like 3 asst a game possibly, and the rest of the team is not exactly playing like the Bulls have, Noah and Deng have both been on fire.

PS KD is a superstar(did anyone watch those two play batman and robin in the worlds?)make no mistake OKC is going to be a factor this year, but their biggest weakness is still the same. They need some inside post scoring and rebounding to give their stars room to operate, something the Bulls are rich with.

Look… IDK if you knew this but I am the only person who does things in 8s… Go ahead and drop one of those things or add one… Its in the dictionary… Read a bood…

Look… IDK if you knew this but I am the only person who does things in 8s… Go ahead and drop one of those things or add one… Its in the dictionary… Read a bood…

Yeah, the thunder are just looking OK, they are missing something. I think it might be a C. ; )

Yeah, the thunder are just looking OK, they are missing something. I think it might be a C. ; )

 The Thunder should start to give Aldrich more time.  He isn’t the answer, but he is already a better defender than Kristic.  He’s young, but if they give him 20 mpg and he’ll produce in the blocks and rebounding columns and play agressively on D.  Something Kristic has never really done very well.

 The Thunder should start to give Aldrich more time.  He isn’t the answer, but he is already a better defender than Kristic.  He’s young, but if they give him 20 mpg and he’ll produce in the blocks and rebounding columns and play agressively on D.  Something Kristic has never really done very well.

about Taj. He was a very solid starter as a rookie last year and having him come off the bench for the Bulls with Noah and Boozer starting gives us one of the best front courts in the league. (plus if Asik gets adjusted to the nba game). I would love if his play made a

Deng, Taj, Johnson and 1st rounder for Melo type trade happen.

I KNOW IT WON’T HAPPEN, but let me dream a little…..

about Taj. He was a very solid starter as a rookie last year and having him come off the bench for the Bulls with Noah and Boozer starting gives us one of the best front courts in the league. (plus if Asik gets adjusted to the nba game). I would love if his play made a

Deng, Taj, Johnson and 1st rounder for Melo type trade happen.

I KNOW IT WON’T HAPPEN, but let me dream a little…..

When I said the thunder are OK and they might need a C. I cryptically meant OKC – oklahoma city. haha.

When I said the thunder are OK and they might need a C. I cryptically meant OKC – oklahoma city. haha.

1) Rajon Rondo?

2) I think they are alright, Randolph just came back with a 20-20

3) LOL, I remember everyone saying they were gonna make the playoffs regardless of the facts: Two below average PG, Three below average C’s and they went 31-10 at home.

4) I 100% agree

5) Agree

6) The Thunder HAVE to make a deal. They need some new blood.

7) Maybe. I like Gibson, I think he should be able to provide Milsap like off the bench numbers

8) Early season, he will cool off.

1) Rajon Rondo?

2) I think they are alright, Randolph just came back with a 20-20

3) LOL, I remember everyone saying they were gonna make the playoffs regardless of the facts: Two below average PG, Three below average C’s and they went 31-10 at home.

4) I 100% agree

5) Agree

6) The Thunder HAVE to make a deal. They need some new blood.

7) Maybe. I like Gibson, I think he should be able to provide Milsap like off the bench numbers

8) Early season, he will cool off.