Spurs @ Thunder: Why Russell Westbrook Is Not A Point Guard

[@devanteswing701]

always felt this way .. coming up to 10 years later and aint shit changed

[@alcatraz0198]

lebron missed watching this 9 years ago and regrets it in 2021

[@jgabrielsen2]

The thunder should have traded westbrook not harden

[@mothas23]

This has aged so well! :D

[@rainyellcollera5124]

Westbrook should watch this

[@eijisawakita1654]

Way ahead of time Coach

[@Ma1q444]

Not really everyone was saying it

[@bondsgoat25]

@@Ma1q444 coach Nick was the only one that appreciated/noticed the nuances in hardens game and recognized his great/well-rounded skillset. It’s a shame OKCs management didn’t notice it then or they’d be sitting on a few championships right now!

[@timlamiam]

Skip Bayless has been saying the same thing lol. I think he should be a 2 guard, with reggie jackson as the PG. he can score like mad but this team needs a passer to run plays and to have someone else have the ball. He'll just drive at everything if he gets the ball all the time.

[@starsixsix]

I like your analyses, they're unbiased unlike a majority and very well-informed. Keep it up!

[@bballbreakdown]

@jamescfc1 Thanks! We've been making this case for some time, but it was a perfect game to illustrate his problems. Bottom line, let him play SHOOTING GUARD! Did you read our companion article at our website?

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks! Lots more coming up.

[@kpod777]

Thank you for this and all your videos! They're very insightful for us basketball fans

[@RockmanExe10]

thank you for this Coach Nick. every criticism i've ever had about westbrook in one video, i'm sharing this video to everyone i know.

[@bballbreakdown]

@WellOfWisdom You got it - we will try and emphasize the good coaching in our upcoming breakdowns...

[@treymandrake3336]

How come you don't show how good Russell Westbrook is?

[@TerryXWang]

u already see how good he can be. whats wrong with breaking down some of his flaws?

[@WellOfWisdom]

I agree with what some of the other guys on here said. You should do some vids on good coaching. These are brilliant breakdowns that contribute to my interest in the sport but I think it would be much better to see some really good coaching to see the whole picture and be able to judge how well a team plays. Thanks!

[@bballbreakdown]

I need to go through the game and see - but that certainly is compelling evidence. THX

[@Iceiam]

Great Video Coach Nick. Love your work. It would be great if you could do a video with emphasis on the bulls with and without Rose and how well you think they would matchup against the Heat, in lue of the inevitable eastern finals matchup. God bless!

[@bballbreakdown]

@juliancolonupperd Thanks! Make sure to go to the link and read our article. I'm really proud of it...

[@bballbreakdown]

I think you missed the point. Did you read our companion article? He's a great scorer - would be the 3rd best shooting guard in the league. But there's a big difference between KD and Kobe shooting a lot of shots and Russ shooting these without ever passing

[@jasonbourne1746]

I agree with everything you said coach EXCEPT when you said that the worst shot in basketball is a foot on the 3 point line. the worst shot is an offbalanced shot. adjusting the feet to have them behind a 3 point line for an extra point will almost always result in a miss.

[@wezob4569]

This man is and has always been a menace and still is ten years later. 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@bballbreakdown]

I'm actually Coach Nick, but Erik doesn't sound too bad. Nash came close, if they hadn't gotten into that fight, who knows? I think it's clear Rondo was propping up those 3 guys in Boston, making them better - have you seen what he's been doing this year? Did you read the companion article at our website? Compelling evidence for why a team with a PG that shoots that much can't win a title

[@NiNJaHa52]

Completely agree. I hope I can understand the game at your level someday!

[@Moggs24]

This isn't really breaking news but a good video really nailing the point home. You should do a break down on Kobe shooting 3-20 the other night.

[@bballbreakdown]

I think someone should chart the number of possessions where Westbrook brings the ball up and shoots in w/o passing. I suspect it's a lot higher than Rose, or DWill...

[@bballbreakdown]

Just watched a bunch of the 1st game with DFish in OKC - when he and Westbrook were in together, Fisher was a 2 guard who didn't bring the ball up...

[@sanzserif]

GREAT video. Any thoughts on doing a John Wall video? He's quietly come alive over the past few months and there are tons of misconceptions about his game and his (lack of) teammates.

[@bballbreakdown]

Look at the difference in assists to start

[@bballbreakdown]

@TuaPekGong I'll tell you how they do it - Greg Poppovich. They have a defined, clear cut system, and know how to teach these guys to fit into it. It's not a coincidence they keep getting guys who plug themselves in and excel.

[@bballbreakdown]

I agree with you - it's simply a positional thing, really. Get a non shooting, defensie point guard in the lineup (DFish could be that guy) and let Russ attack from the wing and baseline after a few passes...

[@bballbreakdown]

I like Harden where he is - dominating the second teams, finishing off games.

[@bballbreakdown]

@Magratheazaphod Still working on color balance with our new camera... We'll get it right soon

[@bballbreakdown]

Well, if a lot of athletic guards get out of hand, it still doesn't make it right. I believe the Thunder are built for the regular season, not the playoffs.

[@bballbreakdown]

I might be inclined to agree with you

[@c2g1980]

Thats the beauty of having a really good coach. They all sit down watch film then correct the mistakes they see. Hats off to Brooks for staying with Westbrook and trusting him. Now theyre in the finals in large part from Westbrook's outstanding play.

[@bballbreakdown]

@RockmanExe10 Thanks - this is our most popular breakdown ever...

[@mclovinme510]

They've show improvement in every position every year. They just ended the Spurs 20 game win streak. And now tied the series up. Westbrook had bad shooting nights in game 3 and 4. But that didn't stop him from getting 7 boards and 9 assists.

[@raiderrocker18]

great breakdown! the thunder had an opportunity to trade westbrook for rondo in the offseason. i think that would have been perfect for both teams. celtics need a scoring punch, and the thunder need a point guard willing to defer to shooters like harden and durant. love your vids, keep em up -that spurs fan from LA

[@tridra5714]

Bro this take aged like milk

[@raiderrocker18]

@@tridra5714 not really. OKC committed to westbrook, which contributed to harden leaving, then durant leaving, and okc being basically irrelevant since 2014 outside of getting westbrook some triple doubles. the celtics meanwhile became a first round treadmill team for several years and relied on guys like isaiah thomas to be their top offensive option until tatum/brown really came along

[@bballbreakdown]

Actually, Dirk's shot has got a hitch, and it's way above his head. So he doesn't have picture perfect form either. Shooters like Dale Ellis, Steve Kerr, Eddie Johnson all had perfect form, and never looked at the ball in flight.

[@bballbreakdown]

@premiumlager7 We did do one on his offense earlier, but we'll make sure to focus on his style going into the playoffs.

[@marcelamazan565]

I really don't see what you guys are complaining about. I actually like this

[@mikedillon9527]

westbrook played sg in college, of course he is going to be more adjusted to the sg position.

[@bballbreakdown]

@TheNotoriousEze I don't think he's any better defensively. And Rose isn't angry, doesn't let refs get to him... you saw how he doesn't always get back on defense fast enough, right?

[@Larzenegger]

Regarding your criticism of Westbrook's ball-watching (on his free-throw/shot): This topic was actually brought up during the 2012 all-star game where Andre Igoudala was captured asking a teammate whether he preferred to watch the rim or the ball after observing that Love and Nowitzki follow the ball's path. Reggie Miller and Steve Kerr then chime in the players are split roughly 50/50 on that issue and that they both watched the ball. For reference: 4th quarter, 7:55 remaining.

[@t4d0W]

In order to facilitate the offense, you have to get open looks to your teammates who otherwise will have difficulty looking for it by themselves. Part of this is a player's talent but another is a coach who knows how to create opportunities for his PG, like Popp has done for Tony Parker. Parker doesn't pass the ball like crazy since his entire team executes with great ball movement but his offensive ability is so diverse it compliments his teammates who either play inside or shoot beyond the arc

[@bballbreakdown]

@Sneakysharper Rose shoots 45% to Westbrook's 43%. And Rose averages 8 assist/gm compared to Westbrook's very average 5.5 apg

[@nemac23]

@bballbreakdown I wish I could remember what Kerr said! Reggie definitely said he follows the path of the ball. This came up during the all star game - they had Iguodala wired up and he noticed it about Dirk and Kevin Love. It's the first time I ever even heard of people looking at the ball, but if some of the greatest shooters in NBA history do it, then I guess it comes down to 'whatever works'.

[@bballbreakdown]

West is so tough to figure out. I don't think OKC is built for a deep run in the playoffs... Lakers are looking dangerous again...

[@bballbreakdown]

@xatrix18 I had to switch cameras and believe me, I will fix it -ugh!

[@Convisis]

I've been waiting on the breakdown for, like, forever. Russell Westbrook is an incredible athlete, and he can make some amazing plays, finish above and below the rim in a spectacular fashion, even get the midrange cranking, but honestly, does anyone seriously consider this guy any kind of decent playmaker? I always check the OKC boxscores, KD routinely has almost as many assists as RW. More concerning is the lack of production outside KD, RW, and The Bearded One. Great breakdown Coach.

[@thegoldenhero]

have you ever done a breakdown of Kevin Durant, Lamarcus Aldridge, or K-Love I'd be interested in that...

[@TuaPekGong]

I don't know how Spurs do it, but almost every rookie they drafted has potential. Even in the midst of the second round pick! That's really impressive. Furthermore, people have been looking at the Spurs as an underdog since the start of every season after their last championship ring and the year after. Saying they are old and whatnot, but let's face it. The team chemistry is AMAZING! They have been playing since their rookie seasons together afterall, and that is what makes them so strong.

[@bballbreakdown]

@theimmortal8265 Is that right? I haven't done one?? Let me look - but we're focusing on all playoff teams the rest of the year, so we WILL get one in there before the season is over - maybe more

[@nemac23]

The thing about him looking at the ball on his shot - Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller were discussing that during the ASW and I think Reggie said that he looks at the ball instead of the rim on his shot.

[@bballbreakdown]

No way - they don't get close to the Eastern Conference Finals without him,

[@bballbreakdown]

@TheSiIentAssasin I only hate on players who continually make bad plays and bad decisions... don't think there's anything wrong with that

[@rudedog2009]

What about a lineup with Ivey/Jackson, Wesbrook, Harden, Durant, and Ibaka/Perkins?

[@bballbreakdown]

@supraboytt Awesome, thanks! We'll be getting up at least 2 a week...

[@UncleMuuMuu]

Uhhhhh there's nothing wrong with staring at the ball when you shoot while its in the air. It can help you determine the adjustments you need to make if you miss.

[@bballbreakdown]

@mattdotts Are you a Thunder fan or something? Let us know what you don't agree with, since it's hard to argue with the plays we showed you in beautiful HD

[@KNagisa]

I agree to your points, thing making this difficult is that he has skills to recover his misjudges. I would switch him to SG and bring other bartender PGs to his position.

[@rjcarless]

He's not saying Westbrook is a crap player, just not very good at traditional PG duties (passing, controlling the tempo, keeping calm, getting other teammates involved, NOT SHOOTING SO MUCH, etc). Without a doubt, he'd be a terrific SG.

[@bballbreakdown]

Did you see that Russ had a career high in a win w/ Fish playing serious minutes??

[@mikelun]

i've heard shooters are 50/50 about looking at the rim and looking at the ball. the players were talking about it at the all-star game this year.

[@piotrk8787]

i think what is the biggest problem with OKC is that they have no veteran players. they are young and have a lot of energy, but sometimes a team needs a veteran verbal guy to openly criticize some bad plays. today i have read that Derek Fisher is going to play for OKC. i hope he can bring his leadership skills to this city and really help them make a run to the finals.

[@bballbreakdown]

@Imweirdirl123 We will sneak in an NCAA game for sure - which one do you think we should do from this weekend?

[@Str8ChillinOfficial]

Westbrook is not a bad player by any means. He has just been put in the game at the wrong position. He has all the qualities of a great Shooting Guard and could run that position promptly, especially if he was running side by side with Reggie in at point guard. Westbrook can shoot and take it in to the rim with ease with all his strength. He is extremely explosive. You definitely have something against Westbrook because you pointed out any and every flaw of his extensively in this video. The Thunder need to simply rethink their Starting Lineup and only then will they dominate the game.

[@premiumlager7]

@bballbreakdown Can you do a vid about good coaching. Since Popovich is is widely regarded as the best coach right now, maybe a video about his bball philosophy?

[@WarrantChen]

So many dislikes because people can't stand it when people are speaking the truth. In 33 games russell westbrook shots over 50 percent in 8 games out of 33. In 33 games Durant has shoot over 50 percent in 22 of those games. Still cannot comprehend how a point guard is shooting more than the most unstoppable scorer in the NBA right now.

[@L4dude5]

I agree with the most of the defensive mistakes, but on the pick-n-roll early in the video with DeJuan Blair and Tony Parker, Westbrook played ok defense, but Tony made a great decision.

[@7LamarOdom]

i agree but so many people forget that without westbrook they can't make it this far, also, d-rose avg 6.8 apg thru his career.. westbrook is a pg but doesn't play like it.. he still is amazing

[@pele1281]

Westbrook does this kind of shit all the time. The best scorer in the world plays next to him (Durant), but Westbrook takes more shots per game.

[@gmatsue84]

he is a SG converted into PG, isn't he?

[@bballbreakdown]

LOL - I remember last year seeing a lot more movement from him, and more sets that got him running off screens.

[@DE5TROY]

So coach, take a shot at the NBA finals this year. I once had MIA vs OKC, but after watching this educational breakdown, I can`t chose a team from the West....yet.

[@juliancolonupperd]

I love your breakdowns coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

@chipsa86 It's not like I'm saying Westbrook isn't good - he's VERY good - just playing out of position. THANKS

[@DarthNutz]

Man, Coach Nick is speaking the truth!

[@MarkBazooka21131]

1:46 7 bounces on the rim ?

[@funnywhiteroots]

The funny thing about this particular game was that Westbrook scored 36 on 45% shooting! Not a bad game at all if you just consider the numbers.

[@lukesmith1832]

How do you insert clips of games and still have you talking in the background? Or what software do you use to make videos like this?

[@ernie2111]

coach, it's amazing how you're right about westbrook, just watch the playoff right now

[@bballbreakdown]

@burricanecarter So what's your argument? That I shouldn't say anything bad about Westbrook and just blame Scott Brooks? Why do you think this video is a "complete joke"? You seem to be agreeing with every single thing I've said...

[@ruckenbrod]

Yey Spurs breakdown!!! Thanks coach

[@cooliocolio441]

ive always shot the ball while focused on the rim, but while commenting on a game, reggie miller said that he always watched the ball, not the rim. I tried it out and it just seemed awkward. But i guess it works for one of the greatest shooters of all time. Thoughts coach?

[@burricanecarter]

@bballbreakdown my argument is that coach brooks is the one who should be blamed the most for not properly adressing the mistakes both westbrook and the team make. westbrook should be criticized, but only after he is required and expected to run sets and make proper decisions. than we can all discuss whether he is doing or not doing that the way he should. but at the moment it looks like what rw is doing is totally fine with scott brooks, as long as he makes bad shots he takes and okc wins

[@bballbreakdown]

@baylakerfan We've been making this point longer than Bayless- wondering if maybe he saw our first breakdowns on this...

[@365spook]

@bballbreakdown id like to see you break down penny hardaways game back in his prime as a magic he's one of my all time favorite players

[@bballbreakdown]

@phliper220 We are focusing on playoff teams for the stretch run, and something tells me Phoenix will get in - so we will do our best to get there...

[@bballbreakdown]

No one will want to play the Spurs come playoff time.

[@JeffHardyDX9397]

He's still the 2nd best player on the Thunder, but it's hard to forget how he played in the WCF last year..

[@blacktee31]

@bballbreakdown Yo, I'm really ready to see a breakdown of the bucks soon. I know they aren't a contender, but still.

[@bballbreakdown]

Look at the best SHOOTERS of all time - guys like Steve Kerr, Dale Ellis - those guys are fundamentally sound shooters, focusing on the rim. I'm just stating what the fundamentally correct way to shoot the ball is - anything else isn't right

[@ballzy8585]

This is two years old. Surely he's improved since then?

[@Kingfatmon]

He also plays excellent defense... he can definitely do more than just shoot 3s on the offensive end.

[@bballbreakdown]

@AndrehNowaski Yeah - he takes a lower percentage and gets 2.5 more assists per game!

[@NoLookPass69]

People need to understand something, Westbrook was a SG in high school and college. that's why he plays like he plays. he still has the mindset of ''shoot''. give him some time to adjust to PG. and i heard on NBATV he works with James Harden with Passing skills.

[@ShietEverywhere]

no its not, the title might as well be a thesis and anyone whose trying to make an argument is supposed to use objective critiques to support their argument. if you wanna say hes not a good point guard because he takes more shots than a guy who could drop 30 a night off 50% shooting...yeah thats a good, objective reason

[@gearoldo77]

Hey i love your channel man, but one thing i noticed is you haven't done a single celtics game this year. WTH!?!?!? You used to do so many celtic games, now adays you dont make breakdowns as often and the ones you do are usually random games.

[@bballbreakdown]

@mfung2173 We will for sure - this one just had to be done this way b/c it was so full of Westbrook plays

[@y2aat]

That was a good vid man!