Russell Westbrook is the greatest point guard of all time

Question

If stats is the basis for the Lebron GOAT argument then shouldn't the same be applied to Westbrook at the point guard position?

Comments

I love the way you formed your answer using other criteria to come up with it. However, I think that using other sources to compare statistics would be beneficial because it could have a more in depth answer. Also, consider finding other players that might've said something, but otherwise I think this is a fascinating argument.

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While Russell Westbrook is an all time great, it is hard to say that he is the greatest point guard of all time simply based off statistics alone. He has changed the game, but not as much as someone like Steph Curry has.

Answer 1

The basis for the Lebron GOAT argument tends to be more based on championships then stats, and Westbrook has zero.

https://ftw.usatoday.com/article/russell-westbrook-nba-playoff-history-stats-appearances-and-record

While there is obviously a lot more in the conversation than this, this is why choosing a 'best' player is difficult, especially in a team game. Magic has much more awards and 'prestige' then Westbrook, meaning that even stats do not tell the complete story. Magic has 5 championships under his belt, and we know how many Westbrook has.

Comments

Very solid points and this all makes a ton of sense. However, next time add some info from your source directly into your argument instead of just pasting the link. I believe this will make your answer much stronger.

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While I agree with your points, adding that basketball is a team game doesn't help. Westbrook dominating the stat sheets could, to your point be because of his teams lack of success, causing them to utilize him more.

Answer 2

Personally I don't think Russell Westbrook is the best point guard of all time. Regarding your reasoning, I think this cannot be used as Lebron not only has the stats but also has the hardware, which Westbrook does not have. More importantly, Russell Westbrook does not lead point guards all time in points scored. Westbrook (26,205) is currently second all-time in points scored by a point guard only behind Oscar Robertson (26,710) even though he has played 200 more games than him. Westbrook is also 6th all time in assists by a point guard, which some would argue is the most important stat for a point guard, as they are in charge of facilitating the offense and being the team's lead playmaker. Westbrook does lead point guards all time in total rebounds, which is not an important stat for a point guard to have, as grabbing boards usually falls on the power forward and center's job. Westbrook also leads point guards in total turnovers, a negative stat. You can't use Westbrook's stats when he leads point guards in any important stat or have the hardware to make up for it.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/point-guard-with-most-blocks-in-nba-history''

Comments

I like you reasoning and do agree that LeBron is a better player, however I am wondering one thing. Is LeBron James a point guard? he is listed as a small forward for most of his career, your source only supports one statistic but does not touch on your other points and if LeBron is a point guard.