SI’s The Crossover sure to motivate Russell Westbrook with lowly 6th rank
The debate over Russell Westbrook:
Every analysts and writer is entitled to an opinion and Ben Golliver is among the best in the business. That said, it’s clear he prefers the offensive skill sets of Curry and Harden to the hard nosed competitiveness of Westbrook. Consequently, examining passages (as per below) offers vernacular such as “modern basketball is a lot more sophisticated than Westbrook’s preferred Martyr-Ball” speaks volumes.
"But a humbling first-round playoff series loss to the Rockets confirmed that there was a hard ceiling to The Westbrook Show, that over-relying on one player to such an insane degree was both unhealthy and counterproductive. Westbrook’s response to the postseason stakes and his mediocre supporting cast was to double down and then triple down, posting insane stat lines and ugly shooting efficiency numbers in hopes of overcoming his opponents through sheer will. At its highest level, modern basketball is a lot more sophisticated than Westbrook’s preferred Martyr-Ball, and the Thunder proved to be a surprisingly easy out."
In fairness to Golliver he offers a rational point to differentiate the five players ranked ahead. Each of them have been “the man” on their squads. Moreover they’ve experienced success in terms of winning via upper tier records and post season success.
Is it shade or motivation?
Still it’s hard not to get bent out of shape over a ranking which feels far too low. To that, the best response is simple. Opinions are just that – one person or a panel’s collective thoughts on a player. As much as they’ll include statistics and results they also bend to preference. Suffice to say, my preference leans toward no quit, competitors. Unlike Golliver, I would refer to Westbrook’s “Martyr-Ball” with terms such as invincible, competitive, unstoppable, driven.
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I’ve broached this topic in many podcasts and articles. It’s a common refrain of coaches league wide who cite Westbrook and LeBron as the two most difficult to game plan for. Although their games are uniquely different, each offers equally perplexing problems. Hence, neither can be stopped. James is like a freight train approaching and Westbrook can come at defenders with force, changes of pace and sheer will to reach the basket.
Ultimately, this sixth place ranking feels three spots too low. But, perhaps Ben Golliver did Russell Westbrook and Thunder Nation a favor. It’s no secret inspiration fuels Russell Westbrook. And, an angry Westbrook is a problem for 29 teams. If I were to guess this listing will serve as new motivation for Westbrook as he enters this season. Particularly when the OKC Thunder suit up for games versus those five names listed ahead of him on The Crossovers list.
So, instead of ranting and raving over what could be considered shade, I’ll opt for a thank you instead. Because, I’d bet good odds this #6 will serve to add a few W’s to the column that matters come next April.