Russell Westbrook is a better player than Kevin Durant

Russell Westbrook is having a one of the best year in NBA history, and now is the time to start looking at where he ranks among NBA player rankings. Could Russell Westbrook really be the best player in the NBA?

That question is really up to you, the reader, but I can give you some of the reasons why I think he could be. As we all know by now, Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple double. With just over 10 games left, the ability to finish the season averaging a triple double is right in his grasps.

Something that has not been done in over half a century. The last player to do this was Oscar Robertson back in 1961-1962 season. Russell Westbrook is averaging a career high in multiple categories.

Those categories are, points, rebounds, assists and to contrary belief, three point percentage. You know, the stat that everyone says Westbrook is so bad at, he is averaging 34% from this year. To put it into perspective, James Harden shoots 35% and Stephen Curry, the “Unanimous MVP” is shooting a career low 40% this year.

So, what does this have to do with comparing Durant and Westbrook? It has everything really. Let’s compare Durant’s MVP year to Westbrook’s year this year.

MVP Comparison

Durant (2013-2014): 32 PPG 7.4 RPG and 5.5 APG

Westbrook (2016-2017): 31.2 PPG 10.5 RPG and 10.4 APG

Westbrook is obviously going to average more assists since he has the ball in his hands way more, but rebounding Westbrook excels in. Durant did average more points per game that year, but we all know Durant is more of a pure scorer than Westbrook.

We can also take a look at Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Player Impact Estimate (PIE) from each player.

Durant (2013-2014): 20.6 PIE and 29.8 PER

Westbrook (2016-2017): 22.7 PIE and 30.32 PER

PIE and PER have to do with how a player impacts the game positively. PIE eliminates statistical biases created by the league style or even era.

If Westbrook does indeed win the MVP this year, the two players of Durant and Westbrook will really start to take a new meaning. Everyone knew Westbrook was a top five player most nights with Durant, but without him, Westbrook is showing that he can be the best player in the world.

Even though Durant was without Westbrook, it was not a complete season, so we cannot really compare the wins. The Thunder won 58 games that year. The Thunder right now have 41 wins with 11 to go and hold the 6 seed.

You can also argue that Durant has more to work with during his MVP campaign. Westbrook still played 46 games that year, which is over half the season. Westbrook has been playing the entire season by himself. Sure, 41 wins may seem a far cry from 58, but Westbrook certainly has less to work with than what Durant did.

Since acquiring Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson, the Thunder are 9-5. Certainly not anything unstoppable, but take away the four game skid they had without Oladipo and the Thunder are 9-1 in the last 10 games.

Westbrook vs Durant

Durant will always be considered a better scorer in my opinion. He is one of the best scorers in NBA history and he shoots the ball more efficiently than Westbrook. That is something he will always excel in. But, the way Westbrook impacts games with his passing, rebounding and his leadership, will always be something he excels in over Durant.

Having leadership and passion is something you are born with just like Durant was born with his scoring ability. I don’t think we will ever see another 6’10 guy that can shoot the ball like he can. But, we will also never see another guy like Westbrook ever again. Appreciate the greatness these two guys bring to the court.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Personally, I believe Westbrook has taken over Durant as a better player just because of the way he impacts the game night in and night out. Furthermore Westbrook is far more durable. Considering Durant has hurt for three consecutive years now, questions may rise on how durable he can stay into his 30s.

Certainly Durant impacts the games in his own way. Yet, Westbrook is also more clutch than Durant contrary to popular belief. To wit, Westbrook ranks as the top clutch performer in the NBA.

Overall, I think Durant will always be considered the better player in a lot of analyst and fans eyes because he is more efficient and on a better team. But, fact of the matter is when you have better teammates you will obviously win more. Start looking at how players impact games and not just how many games they win.

For all these reasons, in my opinion Russell Westbrook is a better player than Kevin Durant.

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