2018-2019 OKC Thunder Regular Season Pt 1: A Renewed Hope

[getrichordie]

i wouldn't use that adams example but yes this is it exactly. westbrook leaves so much on the table, more than any other star player, by behaving this way.

windhorst reporting that westbrook won't listen to his coach aligns with what we see on the court.

Exactly. It just makes so much sense. I think a lot of people (cough, Bondom, cough) are blinded by homer-ism or something (I can’t explain it) and they can’t see what’s right in front of them. Maybe it’s just people getting defensive. Hell. Idk.

Again, I think the best way to explain Westbrook is the drummer from the movie Drumline — ultra-talented drummer but can’t read sheet music if that makes sense.

Bondom is a Russ Homer, but you're definitely a Russ hater. Your criticisms are generally wrong, and always have an ulterior motive, and they're couched in completely stupid takes like 'Jrue Holiday might be better than Russ.' Slick at least makes sense with his criticisms even if they're sometimes ascribed to things he has no knowledge about (i.e. Russ's internal thought process).

Again, taking my words out of context. I did say that by the end of the year, Holiday might be better than Russ. And I only say that because I think Russ’ decline starts this year. Plus, Holiday has been fantastic so is that so crazy to think?

And I don’t hate Russ. I just happen to disagree with most of your opinions and valuations of Russ. I don’t think he’s as good as most of you guys make him out to be.


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[spearsy23]

everything you disagree with has ulterior motives. this is the lawyer training in you-- that you see shadows everywhere. did windhorst do anything to suggest that he is lying? has he lied about this before? is what he is saying particularly at odds with what we observe westbrook doing on the court?

there's nothing lazy about these opinions, they are just as valid as your own. invalidating opinions just because you happen to disagree is a bad habit.

It's important to note that windy wasn't presenting anything as opinion, if it's his opinion then it's irresponsible to present it as fact when he's a respected NBA journalist.

right, he was echoing someone else's opinion. my bad.

Nah, that was much too ambiguous. Talking to scouts implies they have insider knowledge.

[getrichordie]

2. Westbrook made a huge scene for himself after going 1-12 from 3 and not talking to reporters until 2 hours afterwards. He brought this on himself. Let me dumb it down: He kept the reporters waiting for 2 hours.

It's the lack of objectivity that turns this into biased bs. Russell Westbrook is the only player in this league that gets this kind of criticism. You think Steph Curry has to step back because some arena worker isn't done yet with his job? You think when James Harden wants to get some work in after a game he can't because the Rockets won't let him?

It's always the same double standard. Always has been, always will be. I'm not expecting it to change, but I sure as hell won't pretend that it isn't there simply because some people ignore it.

You are completely missing the boat as to why this is seen as a big deal. If any other super star player (James, Curry, Durant, Harden, etc.) didn’t talk to media for 2 hours and just sat there on his phone still in his game jersey after a regular season game and then went back to the gym to jack up shots, whilst still ignoring media, it’s going to be a big deal.

I agree that the arena workers thing was overblown but to focus on that would be to miss the point.


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[slick_watts]

i don't have an issue with either russ practicing his jump shot after the game or being a douche to the media most of the time.

[spearsy23]

Exactly. It just makes so much sense. I think a lot of people (cough, Bondom, cough) are blinded by homer-ism or something (I can’t explain it) and they can’t see what’s right in front of them. Maybe it’s just people getting defensive. Hell. Idk.

Again, I think the best way to explain Westbrook is the drummer from the movie Drumline — ultra-talented drummer but can’t read sheet music if that makes sense.

Bondom is a Russ Homer, but you're definitely a Russ hater. Your criticisms are generally wrong, and always have an ulterior motive, and they're couched in completely stupid takes like 'Jrue Holiday might be better than Russ.' Slick at least makes sense with his criticisms even if they're sometimes ascribed to things he has no knowledge about (i.e. Russ's internal thought process).

Again, taking my words out of context. I did say that by the end of the year, Holiday might be better than Russ. And I only say that because I think Russ’ decline starts this year. Plus, Holiday has been fantastic so is that so crazy to think?

And I don’t hate Russ. I just happen to disagree with most of your opinions and valuations of Russ. I don’t think he’s as good as most of you guys make him out to be.


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No, now you're attempting to change what you said. The exact words were "I'd put these guys ahead of Westbrook in no particular order.....
Honorable mention: Jrue Holiday"

[Pillendreher]

2. Westbrook made a huge scene for himself after going 1-12 from 3 and not talking to reporters until 2 hours afterwards. He brought this on himself. Let me dumb it down: He kept the reporters waiting for 2 hours.

It's the lack of objectivity that turns this into biased bs. Russell Westbrook is the only player in this league that gets this kind of criticism. You think Steph Curry has to step back because some arena worker isn't done yet with his job? You think when James Harden wants to get some work in after a game he can't because the Rockets won't let him?

It's always the same double standard. Always has been, always will be. I'm not expecting it to change, but I sure as hell won't pretend that it isn't there simply because some people ignore it.

You are completely missing the boat as to why this is seen as a big deal. If any other super star player (James, Curry, Durant, Harden, etc.) didn’t talk to media for 2 hours and just sat there on his phone still in his game jersey after a regular season game and then went back to the gym to jack up shots, whilst still ignoring media, it’s going to be a big deal.

It's not. If Harden or Curry did that, people would praise them for their "work ethic". If Westbrook does it, he's a "diva".

[spearsy23]

2. Westbrook made a huge scene for himself after going 1-12 from 3 and not talking to reporters until 2 hours afterwards. He brought this on himself. Let me dumb it down: He kept the reporters waiting for 2 hours.

It's the lack of objectivity that turns this into biased bs. Russell Westbrook is the only player in this league that gets this kind of criticism. You think Steph Curry has to step back because some arena worker isn't done yet with his job? You think when James Harden wants to get some work in after a game he can't because the Rockets won't let him?

It's always the same double standard. Always has been, always will be. I'm not expecting it to change, but I sure as hell won't pretend that it isn't there simply because some people ignore it.

You are completely missing the boat as to why this is seen as a big deal. If any other super star player (James, Curry, Durant, Harden, etc.) didn’t talk to media for 2 hours and just sat there on his phone still in his game jersey after a regular season game and then went back to the gym to jack up shots, whilst still ignoring media, it’s going to be a big deal.

I agree that the arena workers thing was overblown but to focus on that would be to miss the point.


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Blowing off the media is always a big story because sports media thinks it's a lot more important than it is.

[spearsy23]

Also, Russ and 'the media' have always had an adversarial relationship and there's blame for that on both sides (and on the thunder as well)

[getrichordie]

Moving on, I think this guy hits the nail on the head with the Warriors and Western Conference. This is why every game we play and how we play is so important this year.

“The standings are remarkable to look at. The Clippers and Thunder are technically in “first place” at 12-6, but the seventh place team, the Lakers, are just one game behind at 11-7. The cluster is real. Meanwhile, the 13-7 Warriors are proving the old adage that winning a championship is never easy in professional sports, regardless of how good a team might be. This is easy to forget with the Warriors, who sometimes look so dominant that you can mistake their greatness for inevitability. Their first title, in 2015, saw them down 2-1 to the Cavs in the finals with only an OT loss saving them from the impossible 0-3 deficit. The next season, their best, actually ended with the famous loss to LeBron in the finals. And though the 2017 title run was a 16-1 picture of peak excellence, last year’s championship took a major choke by Houston, who held a 3-2 edge in the western conference finals and a 17-point edge in game six before blowing it.”

- Shane Ryan, Golf Digest

...

Golf Digest of all things lol.


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[getrichordie]

i don't have an issue with either russ practicing his jump shot after the game or being a douche to the media most of the time.

Nor do I. I’m simply stating the practicality of the matter. Though, I will say that there is something to be said about always conducting yourself with class.


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[spearsy23]

Moving on, I think this guy hits the nail on the head with the Warriors and Western Conference. This is why every game we play and how we play is so important this year.

“The standings are remarkable to look at. The Clippers and Thunder are technically in “first place” at 12-6, but the seventh place team, the Lakers, are just one game behind at 11-7. The cluster is real. Meanwhile, the 13-7 Warriors are proving the old adage that winning a championship is never easy in professional sports, regardless of how good a team might be. This is easy to forget with the Warriors, who sometimes look so dominant that you can mistake their greatness for inevitability. Their first title, in 2015, saw them down 2-1 to the Cavs in the finals with only an OT loss saving them from the impossible 0-3 deficit. The next season, their best, actually ended with the famous loss to LeBron in the finals. And though the 2017 title run was a 16-1 picture of peak excellence, last year’s championship took a major choke by Houston, who held a 3-2 edge in the western conference finals and a 17-point edge in game six before blowing it.”

- Shane Ryan, Golf Digest

...

Golf Digest of all things lol.


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It makes sense that it's from going Digest, because he apparently doesn't know that Curry has missed almost all of their losses.

[spearsy23]

Though, I will say that there is something to be said about always conducting yourself with class.

[slick_watts]

i don't have an issue with either russ practicing his jump shot after the game or being a douche to the media most of the time.

Nor do I. I’m simply stating the practicality of the matter. Though, I will say that there is something to be said about always conducting yourself with class.


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thunder media are two-faced scoundrels. i don't blame any player for openly defying them or not respecting them. as far as westbrook with the national media, the perception of him is driven somewhat negatively by media narrative, but there's definitely national media people who think russ is the cat's meow and support him 100% no matter what. especially former players.

[getrichordie]

i don't have an issue with either russ practicing his jump shot after the game or being a douche to the media most of the time.

Nor do I. I’m simply stating the practicality of the matter. Though, I will say that there is something to be said about always conducting yourself with class.


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thunder media are two-faced scoundrels. i don't blame any player for openly defying them or not respecting them. as far as westbrook with the national media, the perception of him is driven somewhat negatively by media narrative, but there's definitely national media people who think russ is the cat's meow and support him 100% no matter what. especially former players.

You realize that Russ’ disdain towards the media plays right into their hands though right?


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[bondom34]

2. Westbrook made a huge scene for himself after going 1-12 from 3 and not talking to reporters until 2 hours afterwards. He brought this on himself. Let me dumb it down: He kept the reporters waiting for 2 hours.

It's the lack of objectivity that turns this into biased bs. Russell Westbrook is the only player in this league that gets this kind of criticism. You think Steph Curry has to step back because some arena worker isn't done yet with his job? You think when James Harden wants to get some work in after a game he can't because the Rockets won't let him?

It's always the same double standard. Always has been, always will be. I'm not expecting it to change, but I sure as hell won't pretend that it isn't there simply because some people ignore it.

Basically all of this. And other people do the same postgame stuff. Guys shoot late, guys walk out without giving interviews regularly. It happened with the Warriors after the Green/Durant thing, it happens constantly. Reporters can leave. It's 2 people who make Westbrook a scapegoat only after games like this and make bizarre remarks while ignoring things others do. I noticed Harden's 11 TOs last night and thought "huh, odd nothing is said about stuff like that when it happens". If that were Westbrook he'd be killed, but it's just "part of Harden's game". Now fully:
1. I fully admit to being a Russ homer. He's my favorite player.

2. He shouldn't be taking 12 threes.

3. That doesn't mean Windy's "scouts" thing is true when we've got a ton of evidence otherwise.

4. Justin only pops up during these times to do this (notice the radio silence the game prior?).

5. GROD, don't know what you'r quoting me with, you're on ignore for good now. If you want to argue whatever but when you go to weird homophobic comments about people giving "jobs" you should probably rethink. And your crappy opinions on everything don't inspire me to read.

[bondom34]

Oh and Russ not acting with class now? Yeah, sure, him buying media member's kid's baby seats is nothing but he stays to shoot and he's an a-hole. Jeez.

[Osirus89]

TBF Russ has not been as ornery toward the media as he has been in the past. I think he is making an effort to be better in that regard, but its a work in progress. He has reporters that he likes and others that he doesn't like. Same as any other player. I personally have no problem with a player that doesn't kiss the media's ass. If the media wants a good soundbite/quote, they can go to Steven or PG for that.

[slick_watts]

I noticed Harden's 11 TOs last night and thought "huh, odd nothing is said about stuff like that when it happens". If that were Westbrook he'd be killed, but it's just "part of Harden's game"

westbrook last had double digit turnovers in a game v. the kings on january 16, 2018. lets check the postgame thread from that game and see how people responded.

For the record, I voted Westbrook and George co-players of the game. Westbrook for actually shooting well and only taking 14 shots and making 8 of them which is a big departure from how Westbrook usually plays (I'm proud of you, Russ) and George for being an absolute monster on the defensive end and closing the game in the 4th.

would you look at that.

what was old bondom saying after the game?

I hate this team. I thought Westbrook was the only one who seemed like he cared for stretches, but they just stink. Zero entertainment value honestly.

hmm.

and no mention of turnovers from anyone. westbrook even got ejected and there wasn't much complaining about him. so i have no clue what you're talking about. westbrook had 10 turnovers in the course of him playing his game, probably some silly passes, maybe bad luck, but he was attacking and doing what he was supposed to be doing. like you and GROD seem to have agreed on. shooting double digit threes and defying his skillset is a completely different matter and i don't understand how you don't understand the difference here.

1. I fully admit to being a Russ homer. He's my favorite player.

2. He shouldn't be taking 12 threes.

great! we're making progress. we agree that he should not take 12 threes in a game. we probably agree that westbrook does this too often and it's a flagrant misuse of his skillset.

3. That doesn't mean Windy's "scouts" thing is true when we've got a ton of evidence otherwise.

it might be true it might not. we don't know. why wouldn't it be? would he lie?

4. Justin only pops up during these times to do this (notice the radio silence the game prior?).

i'm passionate about this topic so yes i will participate in these discussions. i've been posting on realgm semi-regularly during the past year or so. again, no idea what you're talking about.

5. GROD, don't know what you'r quoting me with, you're on ignore for good now. If you want to argue whatever but when you go to weird homophobic comments about people giving "jobs" you should probably rethink. And your crappy opinions on everything don't inspire me to read.

this is a good move.

[Dadouv47]

The ''Westbrook taking 12 3 pointers'' statement is totally non sense. Russ averages only a bit more than four 3pts attempts/game r. Ideally it should be a little bit less but that's nothing crazy compared to some other great PG that aren't 3 points specialists.

Russ can make bad late game decisions but you are exaggerating so much that your arguments lose credibility.

[slick_watts]

The ''Westbrook taking 12 3 pointers'' statement is totally non sense. Russ averages only a bit more than four 3pts attempts/game r. Ideally it should be a little bit less but that's nothing crazy compared to some other great PG that aren't 3 points specialists.

Russ can make bad late game decisions but you are exaggerating so much that your arguments lose credibility.

westbrook is attempting double digit threes about one in every six games since 2016-17. i don't think it's an exaggeration to say that he has poor shot selection relative to his skillset far too often for a player of his caliber.