Who's Your One "What Could Have Been" UK Player?

[Joneslab]

Kawhi Leonard is probably the best basketball player in the world behind LeBron and Westbrook.

[George]

Kawhi Leonard is probably the best basketball player in the world behind LeBron and Westbrook.

That's exactly what I'm saying.

In fact, if I were to make any changes to those three, I'd bump Westbrook before I would Leonard.

[Spiritof96]

In an NBA fantasy draft, how high would you take Kawhi Leonard?

All things considered, I might be willing to go top three.

I have been hearing about how great Kawhi is without actually seeing it. Every Spurs game I would watch was... meh.

BUT!

Based on their last playoff game, it's Lebron, healthy KD, and him . I wouldn't have Westbrook or Hardin on my team. (well maybe Hardin)

[largebluej]

Early departure. I'm looking at other things.

Sam Bowie didn't leave early. He was actually here five years. Missed two in the middle due to the leg injury.

[George]

Sam Bowie didn't leave early. He was actually here five years. Missed two in the middle due to the leg injury.

I was pretty certain I was wrong about that but I didn't bother to look it up. Thanks for clarifying.

[George]

I have been hearing about how great Kawhi is without actually seeing it. Every Spurs game I would watch was... meh.

BUT!

Based on their last playoff game, it's Lebron, healthy KD, and him . I wouldn't have Westbrook or Hardin on my team. (well maybe Hardin)

Leonard's game is subtle in a lot of ways, but he's about as good an all-around player as you're going to find.

[Spiritof96]

Leonard's game is subtle in a lot of ways, but he's about as good an all-around player as you're going to find.

I'm convinced now. His defense, efficiency, and athleticism are simply amazing. I think he may become my favorite player.

If Westbrook wasn't such a sore head ball hog, I would love him.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I know it has already been said but I would go with Enes Kanter

[teamchemistry15]

Are you trolling?

Nope. He was supposed to be a good player. Many of us were thrilled to get him. I still remember that picture of him trying to dunk from near the free throw line but the ball was coming out of his hands....

I just hope ten years from now we aren't talking about what Wilgus could've been.

[DA#23]

Are you trolling?

I also think Harrow coulda/shoulda been an awesome college point guard. Just had less mental toughness than even Antwain Barbour.

[Lighthouse]

I know it has already been said but I would go with Enes Kanter

He was in the Cal era. The OP asked abbot players before Cal.

[Joneslab]

If Westbrook wasn't such a sore head ball hog, I would love him.

He was second in the NBA in assists behind Wall.

[Spiritof96]

He was second in the NBA in assists behind Wall.

So? Watch their offense.

Now here’s where you say, “Wait, Westbrook is averaging 10 assists a game! How can Russ be a ball hog?” Assists tend to mean someone is unselfish, right? My counter: Hogging the ball only means you always have the ball … right? In only 35 minutes per game, Westbrook doesn’t just dominate the basketball; it’s more like 50 Shades of Westbrook.

Take Tuesday night, for example. Portland 126, Oklahoma City 121. Westbrook played 36 of 48 minutes, jacked 39 shots, took 16 free throws, scored 58 points and assisted on another 24. This ESPN piece mentions that “the Thunder were outscored by 12 points with Westbrook off the court,” and that, “it’s clear he had little help from teammates, who struggled to make shots when Westbrook was not involved.” Along with his impossible triple-double quest, that’s been the MVP narrative for Westbrook: He does everything! He’s carrying a subpar team every night! It’s a chicken vs. egg thing. Maybe Westbrook’s teammates struggle because he insists on doing everything.

I watched Tuesday night’s game and charted the second half. Westbrook played 18 of 24 minutes, took 24 shots and 13 free throws, committed two turnovers, assisted on four baskets (all open looks) and made three more passes that directly led to misses. Twice, the Thunder veered away from him and ran I-feel-bad-you-take-it plays for Oladipo, who shot the ball within three seconds, like always, because he never knew if he’d see it again. Once, Semaj Christon got blocked on a non-Westbrook fast-break layup. Once, Enes Kanter turned it over on a post-up. And once, Adams rebounded a missed Westbrook free throw and drew a foul. (Does that even count as a possession?) That’s it for the non-Russ plays. When Westbrook was in the game, he single-handedly decided 39 of OKC’s 44 second-half possessions.

Oh … and they lost.

https://theringer.com/the-russell-westbrook-problem-54e59db48117

[Blue Heaven]

He was second in the NBA in assists behind Wall.

The Thunder is Westbrook and a bunch of JAGs. He HAS to do it all. Take Westbrook away and that team is a cellar dweller. Just think. The Thunder had Westbrook, Durant, and Hardin at one time. Billy D won't last long in OKC unless he gets Westbrook some help.

[Blue Heaven]

Since we are talking NBA now, Giannis Antetemkumpo is the next big thing, along with our own KAT.