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Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook To Average 30 Points Per Game?

By Wes Goldberg

Oct 14, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play in action against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play in action against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the absence of Kevin Durant for the first couple months of the season, Russell Westbrook will be thrust into carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

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Now we all get to see if Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook can carry a team the way guys like Derrick Rose and Chris Paul have proved they can. He can make it what he wants, basically.

Westbrook can either score in bulk or try to elevate his teammates, but Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com predicts he will average close to what Durant averaged when Russ was absent last season.

"Yeah, I think Russell Westbrook is going to get a lot more touches and put up some impressive numbers. We saw the same thing happen when Westbrook went out and Kevin Durant had to carry the offense. It wouldn’t surprise me if Westbrook averaged close to 30 points per game early in the season. He put up 26.7 points per game last season and now he should have the ball in his hands more and put up more shots. Russ will do his thing, what the Thunder really need is a second scorer to step up. Whether it’s Serge Ibaka or Reggie Jackson, they need someone to emerge as that second option alongside Westbrook."

I can see Kennedy’s line of thinking, but I disagree with the premise. Just because Westbrook won’t have to split shots with Durant doesn’t mean he’ll simply increase his averages from last season. The fact is, Durant and Westbrook created a pick-your-poison scenario for defenses. Without KD on the court, defenses can focus on stopping Westbrook. That will lead to more double teams and contested shots.

The stat we should be watching is assists. Westbrook has an opportunity to get his teammates involved, and he’s done well so far this preseason in just that. Even if he does average 26 points per game again, it will likely be a more impressive 26 points. However, I don’t think he’ll get to 30.

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