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1. Russell Westbrook

1. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is one of the best scorers in the game…period.

In his third season, Westbrook became an All-Star and emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the league. A non-traditional Point Guard, the former UCLA Bruin became known for his 40-point games, triple-doubles, and unique fashion sense. While playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), Westbrook initially played in the shadow of Kevin Durant. However, when Durant left for Golden State, Westbrook elevated his offensive game to new heights. He had already won the scoring title in the 2014-15 season, but in 2016-17, he won it again with an average of 31.6 points per game, while also averaging a triple-double with 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. This achievement made him the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season. Westbrook won the MVP award that year and earned his second First Team All-NBA selection.

In the following two seasons, he continued to average a triple-double and won the assists title during those campaigns. Unfortunately, he couldn't lead his team to the NBA Finals and was eventually traded to Houston for multiple first-round picks.

Overall, during his time with the Thunder, Westbrook averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He made eight All-Star appearances and was an All-NBA selection eight times. His final season with the Thunder placed him above both Durant and Gary Payton on our list, but it’s intriguing to consider just how dominant he could have been had he spent his entire career in Oklahoma City.


The Bullet Points

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round, 2nd Overall 6/26/08.
  • Departed: Traded to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul, and a 2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026 1st Round Pick. 7/16/19
  • Games Played: 821
  • Per Game Averages: 34.5 MP
    .465 eFG%
    .801 FT%
    23.0 PTS
    7.0 RB
    8.4 AST
    1.8 STL
    0.3 BLK

    98 Playoff Games
    38.0 MP
    .444 eFG%
    .842 FT%
    25.4 PTS
    7.0 RB
    7.9 AST
    1.9 STL
    0.3 BLK
  • Advanced Stats: 23.7 PER
    .529 TS%
    61.6 VORP
    96.9 WS

    98 Playoff Games
    23.2 PER
    .513 TS%
    7.0 VORP
    10.6 WS
  • Major Accolades and Awards: MVP (2017)
    First Team All-NBA (2016 & 2017)
    Second Team All-NBA (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 & 2018)
    Third Team All-NBA (2019)
    First TeamAll-Rookie (2008-09)
    All-Star Game (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019)
    All-Star Game MVP (2015 & 2016)
    Most Field Goals (2016-17)
    Most Field Goal Attempts (2014-15, 2016-17 & 2017-18)
    Most Assists (2017-18 & 2018-19)
    Most Points (2016-17)
    Most Points per Game (2014-15 & 2016-17)
    Most Assists per Game (2017-18 & 2018-19)
    Highest PER (2016-17)
    Highest Usage Percentage (2014-15 & 2016-17)
    Highest Assist Percentage (2016-17, 2017-2018 & 2018-19)
    Highest Box Plus/Minus (2014-15 & 2016-17)
    Highest Offensive Box Plus/Minus (2016-17)
    Highest VORP (2016-17)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
    9th in 2013, 4th in 2015, 4th in 2016, 1st in 2017, 5th in 2018 & 10th in 2019
    Finished 4th in Rookie of the Year Voting in 2009
More in this category: 2. Gary Payton »

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