OKC Thunder: Regrading Russell Westbrook trade to Rockets – one year later

The Grades:

The Rockets grade is difficult to present without dissection.

Win-loss compared to a season ago:

At this point last season the Rockets had one extra loss but Paul had missed 23 games including a 17 game stint with an injured hamstring. Alternatively, the Thunder with two superstars had one extra loss at this stage last year.

Three key statistical categories:

Rockets 2018-19:

Offense: ranked 2nd (114.9)

Defense: ranked 17th (110.1)

Net Differential: ranked 5th (+4.8).

Rockets 2019-20 (through 64 games):

Offense: ranked 2nd (113.4)

Defense: ranked 16th (109.9)

Net Differential: ranked 8th (+3.4)

OKC Thunder 2018-19:

Offense: ranked 16th (109.8)

Defense: ranked 4th (106.5)

Net Differential: ranked 10th (+3.4)

OKC Thunder 2019-20 (through 64 games):

Offense: ranked 14th (111.0)

Defense: ranked 9th (108.4)

Net Differential: ranked 11th (+2.5)

Obviously, the final Rockets’ grade for this trade won’t be fully recognized until this season is finished and the four draft picks (two picks, two swaps) are conveyed. Likewise, if the Thunder trade Chris Paul before his contract is completed in the next two seasons the assets and picks returned will affect OKC’s ultimate grade.

That said, one year after the trade the Rockets’ grade and Westbrook’s grade aren’t necessarily the same. This because of the uber small lineup that could adversely affect his teammates while he feasts.

As highlighted above, the improvement in Westbrook’s shooting efficiency and overall production has proven his value when employed in the right offense. For that reason, I’d give the Rockets a B+ (although Westbrook would garner an A, given his ability to adapt and find success). If the Rockets reach the Western Conference Finals it will shift to an A, or the NBA Finals an A+, and conversely, an early playoff exit would lower the grade to a B minus.

Ultimately, Daryl Morey made this trade to ensure a deep playoff run, and reaching the WCF would be a minimum benchmark.

The OKC Thunder grade is an A+. This isn’t based on homerism either. Rather, it’s based on the undeniable facts:

• Lose of two superstars
• Slightly better record at this stage of the season
• Better record than Rockets
• Won season series
• Four future first-round draft picks (2 picks, 2 swaps)
• CP3 contract worth over $123 M that can be traded if desired and will return equal value
• Paul’s overwhelming effect on the revamped roster
• Clutch time dominance
• Overwhelming success of revamped R & R era

Again, the final story won’t be told for at least a few seasons. Westbrook has shown yet again he’s a willing teammate. It took him a little time to transition but he did without hindering Harden or his teammates. The new system is better suited to him so now it’s Harden that needs to adapt for the first time since he joined the Rockets.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Paul, on the other hand, is rejuvenated, thriving in a system also suited to his best attributes and happier than he’s looked since his time in New Orleans.

As a final thought, I’ll note an interesting commonality of Westbrook and Paul. When they don’t play for your team it’s easy to find ways to dislike them or miss the qualities that have made them All-Stars, award winners, and leaders.

Not too long ago, I wrote about the Rockets and remember debates over my appreciation for Westbrook. Since he’s joined the Rockets some of the fans have reached out to say “Now, I get it!”.

And, from this corner of the universe, there is a similar statement to make. The Clippers ‘Lob City’ crew was quite possibly my least favorite of top tier teams in the past decade. Yet, bearing witness to the genius of The Point God in his 63 games and off court effectiveness has afforded an entirely new (well deserved) appreciation for Paul.

Although his fundamental skills were never in question, witnessing his ability to alter game momentum and manage the intricacies involved in bonding a roster to bring out each individual’s best self is nothing short of the high praise he’s deservedly earned.