Why Russell Westbrook deserves to start in 2017 NBA All-Star Game
Like the Eastern Conference, I pulled key stats, but did not include the team record since the Warriors and Clippers have super teams. And although the Rockets don’t have what is considered typical All-Star talent they definitely are loaded with specialists, especially the three added in free agency. Even Lillard has an All-Star talent worthy teammate in C.J. McCollum.
Examining the stats:
Examining the stats:
As per the above, here’s what we learn from the numbers:
Although Curry is still the most efficient shooter among this group his numbers have regressed. To wit:
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The back-to-back regular season MVP is scoring 5.5 points less per game. In addition Curry has almost 1 fewer assists (5.8), 1.1. fewer rebounds, and has 0.5 fewer steals (1.6 this season). Yet, the noticeable dip is in his shooting which has regressed across the board:
- two point field goal percent, 2016-17 : 55.4% versus last season 56.6%
- three point field goal percent, 2016-17 : 39.9% versus last season 45.4%
- 2016-17 overall field goal percent: 46.9% versus last season 50.4%
Harden doesn’t rank sixth in any of the above stats (see chart below)
Westbrook ranks last of the group for shooting efficiency. But in comparison to his peers, he has no All-Star teammate or three point specialists.
Thompson perhaps is the most surprising in terms of how little he does outside of shooting. And even then has only one first place ranking. It’s fascinating the only shooting guard in this field ranks at the bottom specifically in rebounding.
Also not surprisingly, the prototypical (read: old school) point guard in the group Paul ranks the lowest in scoring. But, CP3 provides top 3 levels everywhere else. And, like Harden and Curry is aided by the talent surrounding him
Lillard may be the biggest surprise in that he doesn’t rank last in any one category, nor is he first.
Adding turnovers to the mix showcases another interesting wrinkle 4 players then become closely grouped: Harden, Westbrook, Thompson and Lillard:
Ultimately, it’s hard to deny the three players at the top don’t warrant the start. However, I’ll be more shocked if the media and players don’t reward what Westbrook is doing .
I’ll leave you with two compelling stats:
Westbrook’s starting lineup features 4 teammates whose average age is 23.4 years. In contrast, Harden (with Nene) has a starting lineup with 4 teammates with an average age of 30.75. Replacing Nene with Capela Harden’s starting 4 have an average age of 27.83.
Related Content: Should Thunder Change Starting Lineup?
When the Big O accomplished the feat in 1962-63, he did so averaging 44.3 minutes per game with a team who played at a pace of 125.
Westbrook is averaging his triple double in 34.7 minutes (9.6 minutes less per game) at a pace of 100 (25 possessions less)
However, the most jaw dropping stat comes courtesy of the last player to average a triple-double: Oscar Robertson. When the Big O accomplished the feat in 1962-63, he did so averaging 44.3 minutes per game with a team who played at a pace of 125. Westbrook is averaging his triple double in 34.7 minutes (9.6 minutes less per game) at a pace of 100 (25 possessions less).
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