Thunder vet: Westbrook thinks he's better than KD

[.infamous]

Did you think maybe we were finally done talking about Russell Westbrook? You'd be wrong.

Westbrook responded well to his so-called "benching" in Game 3, putting up 30 points for Oklahoma City that included eight straight points in the fourth quarter to get the Thunder back in the game. In the end, they lost to the Mavericks, but Westbrook bounced back strong.

Controvsery over? Hardly. Via the New York Daily News, one Thunder veteran says that Westbrook has an ego and that's what's interfered:

What undoubtedly fueled Westbrook's fiery response is a sense of entitlement. As one Thunder veteran said, privately, "He thinks he's better than Kevin Durant."

Not only that, but Westbrook has the backing of Thunder GM Sam Presti, who made a name for himself with his drafting of Westbrook with the fourth pick in 2008. Presti's micromanagement behind the scenes has caused some friction between the head of the front office and his coaches, but Brooks didn't pay any attention to that when he saw that Maynor was his best option to even the series.

Who is this mystery vet? Kevin Ollie? Desmond Mason? Robert Swift? Who knows. And who knows why he felt the need to pass along this information either.

But just that line alone -- Westbrook thinks he's better than Durant -- is going to stir the pot. But when you're an All-Star, a second-team All-NBA player that's as confident in yourself as Westbrook, would you really not think you're better than Durant. Not us in the general public here. We all know Durant is better. In terms of Westbrook, is it really so bad to think that? In fact, isn't it probably a good thing?

Everyone is biased about themselves. Other than maybe your mother, your biggest fan is normally you. Westbrook isn't any different. But that line reeks of ego and arrogance, therefore stirring the Westbrook vs. Durant pot a bit more.

And Westbrook has always played with a chip on his shoulder and an absurd amount of emotion. That's who he is and how he's always been. Westbrook probably thinks he's better than not just Durant, but Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and pretty much every player you toss out there. That's how great players think. They believe in themselves to the greatest degree. Kobe thinks he's better than Michael Jordan, even if we all know that it isn't true.

But here's a fun stat: Did you know entering Game 3 Saturday, Westbrook had assisted on 54 of Durant's field goals this postseason? Why is that number significant? Because it leads the NBA not just by a little, but doubles the next closest tandem (27 for Rajon Rondo to Paul Pierce and Jason Kidd to Dirk Nowitzki). It's not like Westbrook keeps the ball away from Durant here people. Durant has led the league in scoring the last two years and leads the playoffs this year with Westbrook as his point guard.

I'm reminded of the playoffs last year where the Thunder pushed the Lakers to six games. Multiple times in that series Westbrook had a wide open dunk of his own on a fast break but decided instead to drop off a pass to Durant trailing behind him. Westbrook put it simply when he was asked about why he did it. He said, "It's my job to get guys going and KD needed to get going." Doesn't sound like a guy too wrapped up in himself, does it?

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I think everyone knew Westbrook had an ego.

 

[Mexi]

Nick Collison
Kendrick Perkins
Royal Ivey
Nazr Mohammed
i guess Nate is a veteran now

who do you guys think it was?

 

[.infamous]

Nazr imo.

 

[cruzg24]

Man I cant believe how much the media is blowing this shit up. Why isnt this mentioned with any other teams...

 

[Mexi]

what FPS?
he's been selfish all postseason

other teams 2nd best player isnt trying to prove to everyone that they're better than the team's first best player

 

[.infamous]

what FPS?
he's been selfish all postseason

other teams 2nd best player isnt trying to prove to everyone that they're better than the team's first best player

Which vet do you think it was?

 

[Mexi]

someone who just got there
probably Perk. he's been really yappy this year

 

[cruzg24]

what FPS?
he's been selfish all postseason

other teams 2nd best player isnt trying to prove to everyone that they're better than the team's first best player

I dont know what it is, but I dont buy into the argument that Westbrook keeps the ball away from Durant. As mentioned in the article, Durant has lead the league in scoring the past 2 seasons and Westbrook distributes the ball to Durant a lot in the playoffs. I think it has more to do with Westbrook shooting bad shots and making dumb decisions.

 

[Lake Louise]

Nazr imo.

I was thinking Nazr too.


Westbrook has been selfish. I've seen it a lot, especially in the Grizz/Thunder series. That Triple OT game should of been over in regulation. Whenever I saw him take the last shot of regulation, or OT, I had a feeling he would miss. Shouldn't be taking that shot in the first place. Give it to Durant for that.

I've said it before. Not the best comparison, but Westbrook wants to be Jordan, when he's Pippen. Not that i'm comparing the skills of Westbrook/Pippen or Durant/Jordan, that's nonsense. Just the roles they play. Westbrook doesn't seem to want to accept his as the 2nd best player on the team.

 

[playmaker7]

God do we really need a headline about this OBVIOUS statement...

 

[elcheato]

Westbrook probably does think he's better then Durant. Star players usually have the mentality that they're the best in the league. I was listening to Bill Simmons podcast with Charles Barkley on it, and he thought he was better then MJ before he dominated him in the finals.

But I don't buy the report that a veteran player said this.

 

[dcpwner]

if it was a vet i say Collison due to his increased role on the floor prolly has more experience with it.

Ive said this to friends, but Westbrook needs out in OKC, IDC how good he is, he doesn't mesh with Durant no matter how hard they try and act like they do, it's obvious on the court when you watch them play.

 

[SaintFan25]

Not surprising, dude has been a selfish player all season, taking more shot attempts than Durant. He needs to realize the Thunder are at their best when he's dishing out the assist, not taking 25+ shot attempts.

 

[Pugz]

id say perk or collison. if anyone did say this. but its obvious. and this teams potential is dropping before our eyes.

 

[.infamous]

If anything the thunder will resign Westbrook and trade him for a legit pg.

 

[ZigZag]

If anything the thunder will resign Westbrook and trade him for a legit pg.

true he has still has a lot of value. there's been too many times this series when i'm wondering where KD is and he's standing in the corner watching russell run around with the ball trying to be derrick rose.

 

[cruzg24]

I think the Thunder would be perfectly fine with Eric Maynor if Westbrook would be traded. Like trade him for Pau Gasol and Luke Ridnour.

 

[Elite]

Would Russy play one half with the Lakers and the other half for the Wolves? lol

 

[DJT]

I think it was Perk...he's not afraid to speak his mind with this team. But than again, he probably would have admitted that he said it.