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So much wrong with that post.



Not having been used properly didn’t cause the hundreds of brain farts nor cause him to play crap defense nor should he be here again after next year if that “has” to be.

 

None of that would be a topic of discussion at all, if James, Davis and Nunn had played the majority of this season period. Westbrook isn't the blame for this season. If those 3 have a similar season next year...if won't matter one single bit, if you had whatever fantasy roster, that you could dream up together either.

 

westbrook and lebron either won't or don't play defense anymore. we can't win playing them 30-35mpg. good offenses just feast by hunting our stars, which is a huge problem.

replace westbrook with literally any guard who defends, and we're instantly much better.

 

I will say this too. For all this Westbrook defense jazz. I haven't noticed many teams specifically go out and try to isolate Russ on defense either. I've seen a lot of them target Bradley, or Melo, or Monk, even Reaves. You just don't see teams saying..." Hey let's clear out and attack Westbrook on defense!" I do see a lot of noise being generated by some fans, if he missed or was late on a rotation. The exact same thing being done by whoever is playing when he isn't on the floor.SMH

 

it's not about clearing out. it's about counting on him to not help or overhelp, etc. really, just his utter laziness on team d is an anchor on almost every trip down.

 

I'm watching games man...nobody is playing great defense besides a few "defensive players " in the entire NBA. I mean seriously, most definitely NOT anyone putting up offensive numbers. This "guarding people" stuff is way overblown . Yes..you need a few better than average one on one guys out there, hell they are still getting torched on occasion too. What you absolutely can't have, is a bunch of defensive guys that can't score. Ie last season.

 

I'm calling BS on that. I watch every Laker game at least twice. Tell me these recent games where Russell Westbrook's defense, was so terrible that it cost us these games. Also which player specifically did a superior defensive job in his replacement that won us these said games.

 

You better be able to score against "good defense ", or you are going home in the 1st rd, if you make the playoffs .

 

you can search his thread for his unplugged controller plays, or look at any defensive metric. i mean, he's been objectively terrible on that end pretty much all year. honestly a weird stance to take.

 

I see the dude missing a play here and there and it's all folks seem to remember. Meanwhile I'm seeing other guys getting absolutely hunted, but it's Westbrook's defense that gets brought up.

Look..I don't expect a 37 old Lebron to carry the offense and play lights out D. Kobe didn't do it, neither did Jordan. I point out Monk and Melo because IMO those two, are the worst one on one defenders on the team. They can score though, so it gets a pass. Russ isn't the defensive player Bradley is at the point. However Avery gets roasted on the regular. He absolutely brings more to table by creating pace, and open looks for his teammates than anyone not named Lebron. That outweighs his supposed defensive shortcomings IMO. However it's one of the most popular narratives going around on this board. I have more of an issue with his missing layups than his defense. That's just me.

 

Be prepared

 

I don't see anyone "hunting" Lebron and Westbrook brother. That's an overstatement, I see them hunting Bradley, Monk, and Melo, in every single game though. Depending on the matchups, they are looking to go after Tucker and Reaves too. Way more than attacking Lebron or Russ. That's cap my man. I'm not saying that Bron and Russ aren't opposed to giving up a basket or two on occasion,during the course of a game at all. That's not being hunted though.

 

Utter nonsense to say that Westbrick isn’t one of the biggest problems with this team.
Nonsense.

 

Utter nonsense not to recognize that Davis and James's absence were problem 1. and 2. by a mile too.

There was no saving this season without those two being on the court. Folks can spin it all they want. Westbrook is not the blame, he damn sure wasn't a savior, agree with that . The main problem or a bigger issue than what I mentioned? Hell no.

 

yeah, this is my point. teams know he's not defending. it gives them confidence and allows them to run simple schemes to great effect. the numbers all bear this out.

you can hunt things without them being one-on-one matchups. i know ty lue is the master of finding one-on-one matchups and is thus a genius, but exploiting the fact that guys can't/don't help is also a thing. westbrook is often defending exactly nobody.

 

Still defending Russ, especially on D? Maybe watching every game twice isn’t enough. Try upping it to 3.