OKC Thunder Roundtable sessions: Homage to Russell Westbrook

6. Between Westbrook and George who adapts better to their new superstar duo and has the better season?

Tamberlyn Richardson:

Ultimately Paul George has the edge since Kawhi Leonard is a top-three player on both sides of the court. That’s not to say Russ and James won’t adapt or find success. Houston ranked 26th in pace last year and Russ can definitely help with that.

The key here is health. Doc Rivers said George will miss the first 10 games and how his shoulder responds to rotator cuff surgery could be a factor. This duo is more injury prone but Westbrook is getting older and been dealing with dislocated fingers and hand issues throughout preseason.

My biggest question actually falls more on Harden and his willingness to occasionally play off ball to open the Rockets offensive choices. If he does I think he and Westbrook could register the better statistical production — in season. But, once the playoffs arrive I think the situation flips because of the Clippers depth and defensive prowess.

Ideally, both duos excel because it will equate to lots of great games to witness — just not when they play the Thunder 😉

Rylan Stiles:

The most team success has to go to PG’s Clippers. They are a much better team with actual depth, and one of the best players in the NBA. In terms of the duo on and off the floor? Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Those two genuinely love each other and already have such a connection that has not missed a beat. The sacrificing will be there for Westbrook and Harden I believe. With injuries lingering for PG and the possible injuries or load management looming for Kawhi those two might take a bit longer to get in sync but will see more team success.

Noah Schulte:

George, easily. Not only do both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have incredibly compatible games, but each guy has had to shift their roles before to adjust to new teams. Their transition should be relatively pain-free. Russ and Harden, on the other hand, will probably have a harder time.

They are the only two players in NBA history to finish a season with a usage rate above 40, and both guys are used to having everything run through them. Even if their games were perfectly complementary, there would still be a pretty noticeable adjustment period. They’ll *probably* figure it out at some point, but Kawhi and PG likely will have had things working smoothly for a while by then.

Aidan E:

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Paul George will have the better season because he’s currently a better player than Russ, but I think Russ and Harden will work better than people expect because I believe they will be staggered a lot and when they aren’t I think they can easily share the ball. Will take some commitment from Russ to start working off the ball more though.

Matthew Hallet:

Paul George will adapt to his new superstar duo. James Harden and Westbrook need the ball in their hands to be effective. Kawhi Leonard is efficient and has been playing successfully with other superstars for his entire career.

Kevon Stewart:

I believe Westbrook will adapt better. He’s playing with his friend and former teammate, James Harden. The two of them already have inherent chemistry. Westbrook fits well with the Houston offense. Alternatively, I think Kawhi and Paul George will take more time to blend.

Tyler Barger:

Paul George.  Kawhi Leonard and PG on the court at the same time is insane

Thunderous Intentions writing team on their personal Twitter accounts:

Tamberlyn Richardson: @TTOTambz
Rylan Stiles – @Rylan_Stiles
Noah Schulte – @noahthepio
Kevon Stewart: @KJStewart93
Aidan E: @itsinfernoo
Matthew Hallet: @mervsports78
Tyler Barger: @weekendatbrodys
Chase Beal-Sharp – @thunderguad15
Shade Piper – @thelob_shade

The roundtable series will continue with segments coming soon on  OKC Thunder front runners for NBA awards, as well as specific questions about the new players and returnees.

Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments section and share your insights on your favorite Russell Westbrook moments.