Is Russell Westbrook A Top Point Guard?

May 29, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to being the best point guard in the league, generally the first player that comes to mind is Chris Paul. It is hard to debate anyone else at this point who is more of a leader their team and more valuable to their team as a point guard.

One player who has emerged as a top point guard is Russell Westbrook. In comparison, Chris Paul averaged 19.1 ppg, 10.7 apg, and 2.5 spy last season. Meanwhile, Westbrook finished last year averaging 21.8 ppg, 6.9 apg, 5.7 rpg, and 1.9 spg. Based off of stats alone, Westbrook’s name has to be mentioned when discussing the top point guards in the NBA– without a doubt.

Paul averages about a half a steal more a game, while Westbrook provides a more all-around approach to his game. In no way am I saying Westbrook is better than Paul– simply saying his name should at least be brought up when debating top point guards. Keep in mind, the only other player in the league that puts up at least 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game is that one guy named LeBron James. I don’t know if you have ever heard of him, but he is pretty superb as well.

Although, Westbrook has received criticism for either shooting too often, or shooting in the wrong situation. At times, he does tend to make mistakes that typically you don’t want, but he produces enough to more than make up for his sometimes considered “costly” mistakes. As his career has progressed, personally I have witnessed him mature to a more elite level than expected. At the age of 25, he is now earning the respect that he deserves.

The moment when I realized that he is the real deal was watching his performance throughout the entire 2014 Western Conference SemiFinals matchup against Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers. In his matchup with Paul, Westbrook was stellar and more than held his own. It was a battle of the ages, but in my opinion Westbrook won that battle.

Westbrook was too athletic for Paul and made it impossible for Paul to keep up. I’m not taking nothing away from Paul, he is still the best point guard in the league — I don’t know how much I need to stress this case. The point I am, once again, trying to make here is that Westbrook is “right there.” It is indeed difficult to compare the two star point guards since both their styles are seemingly different.

Personally, I have Westbrook as the third best point guard in the league behind only Paul, and San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker. There is a plethora of “great” point guards out there, but Paul, Parker, and Westbrook are elite. The one thing that holds Westbrook back is his decision-making. Westbrook can either win you a game or lose it for you which is why he does get so much scrutiny which is understandable.

All I ask for — is for more of us fans to give him a little more credit where it is due.