“That’s the type of guy he is, that’s his mindset, that’s how he plays,” Felton said when I remarked about Westbrook’s win-the-battle, but lose-the-war mentality. “He’s always in a one-on-one battle with all the point guards. I’m not really into that. I’m into winning. If you win, everybody gets the praises. We are not wearing ‘Felton’ on the front of our jerseys; it says Blazers. I care about the Blazers winning.”
You could tell by his body language in the playoff series last season that Felton strongly dislikes WB, who doesn't respect him on the court. WB played him very physical, talked to him a lot and Felton asked the refs to call fouls when WB would hawk the ball. But he does make a valid point. WB often takes his personal matchup against the opposing PG too much to heart and it affects his decision-making. Can't wait until OKC and Portland play again.
Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan were always in 1on1 battles with the opposing players of their position as well... Star players take competition personal.
Yes, but the difference is the exact nature of the competition. Jordan would want to humiliate the opposing team's star player, but he wanted to do it through the demolition of the opposing team. Jordan knew that winning the game was the only thing that mattered. Westbrook, on the other hand, doesn't seem to realize this... yet.
I know a lot of you don't think this way... But I think Westbrook is a top three PG in this league. I hate how people think that PGs are supposed to be assist machines no matter what... Not every PG plays like that. The only difference between Rose and Westbrook is the fact that Rose plays more in control; Westbrook plays entirely off of his emotions. His best and worst moments on the court are from passion alone. Say what you will but he loves to play ball (and offense lol). He would definitely benefit if the Thunder were to follow the two PG offensive lineup that the Clippers are doing right now and that the Rockets used to run with Lowry-Brooks. Take all the point guard responsibilities away from Westbrook and just let him slash.
No, I really don't think that way. Doesn't make much sense to me to label a guy who can't handle PG responsibilities a top PG.
This. Westbrook would be a great sg where he would be allowed to play the way he does. As a pg, he's out of control and isn't a floor general.
Yes. He can handle the basic roles of his position while still doing what he does best. Westbrook cannot.
As a PG hes a PG with bad playmaking skills, and as a SG hes undersized and can't shoot to save his life, so....... He needs to sort his s.... out at PG.
So do we call Billups an SG? Because he's splitting PG duties with Paul as well. Whatever works for him works.