Westbrook vs B. Lopez

[wiff]

What would the Thunders record have looked like if they would have drafted Brook Lopez instead of Westbrook?

Brook Lopez

11.4pts
8.1rebs
2.0blks

But for the month of Jan.
15.1pts
8.9rebs
2.2blks

Russel Westbrook

14.1pts
4.3rebs
4.9dimes
1.5stls

Month of Jan.
15.7pts
4.8rebs
6.2dimes

So if Presti would have drafted Lopez instead of Westbrook, would the Thunder have a better record? Center is the hardest position to fill in the NBA. Lopez has shown he can play "D", score, rebound the ball and block shots. He does everything you want your center to do.

Westbrook has been great but he isn't what most would consider a true point guard. However his play has been very solid so far this year.

So would the Thunder be in a better or worse position if they would have draft Brook Lopez instead of Westbrook?

[wizkid27]

Interesting question... I really don't know... Ultimately, I think we would have around the same record, maybe a couple more wins right now. But, now that we have Kristic, I think that he makes up a lot of the gap of not having Lopez. So for the rest of the season, I would say we're better off with Westbrook. I would take Westbrook and Kristic over Watson and Lopez. Lopez is obviously better than Kristic by a wide margin in several areas... however, I don't know if I could stand to watch a Watson run team for over 30 minutes each game.

Now, long term, which is ultimately what matters to this team? Not sure on that... I think that with our current group of guys, we need a big shot blocker/rebounder, and although he's solid, I don't know if Lopez could be the guy to play next to Green/Durant. Westbrook's PG skills have visibly improved over the last few weeks (both in decision making and playing making). He could be a great long-term piece that fits very well with Green and Durant.

[wiff]

Westbrook's PG skills have visibly improved over the last few weeks (both in decision making and playing making). He could be a great long-term piece that fits very well with Green and Durant.

Fortunately for Westbrook both Green and Durant are very good passers, so he doesn't have to be the sole play maker on the floor.

Plus all three of those guys can run the break. Which is nuts. Typically you don't see many 6'9" guys running the break.

[sonic-ben]

If we want a center... There is Thabeet.. 7-3 blocking machine
in this year draft

But if we draft Hardin
we could try to add a defensive presence next to Krstic
like Sean Williams who is very raw and the Nets need to lower there demands

[big L]

I can't imagine there would be much difference in our record. Lopez has been better than I thought he would be, but how can we second guess our pick with the way Westbrook has been playing of late. We've got to be very happy.

[wizkid27]

Yeah, I'm VERY happy with the pick. If we're going hindsight... to think that several people wanted Bayless (not a bust by any means, but just hasn't shown what Westbrook has) and hated Love (really pretty impressive next to Jefferson from my perspective).

I think we got away with a guy that really fits in to what the management wants to do long term. No complaints at all. But it's definitely interesting to speculate on what might have been.

[Canomad]

westbrook is a stud. you guys made the right choice. also you guys are starting to win some games. im glad all this worst team in NBA history is out the windown now because im a closet fan of the thunder. even though the cavs are my team.