NBA training camps are underway, and with the beginning of any sports season comes great optimism. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team with reason to be upbeat, as they will not only return NBA MVP Kevin Durant, but the "best point guard in basketball" according to head coach Scott Brooks.
"I believe Russell [Westbrook] is the best point guard in basketball," Brooks told reporters. "That's happened over time. I've seen Russell every practice, every game, every film session, and he's really put a lot of time into being the best point guard in basketball."
The stats are kind to Brooks' argument. Last year Westbrook averaged 21.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds on 43 percent shooting. Westbrook also shot 82.6 percent from the free throw line on 6.4 attempts per game.
Westbrook didn't hide from Brooks' praise when asked about his coach's comments. "I'm very honored to hear him say that, but that's how I feel. I mean, I don't know what to tell you.
"I've felt that since I got in the league. I mean, that's my mindset. As a rookie, I came in and I felt like I was the best player on the floor every time I stepped on the floor. That's just my mindset. That's the way I've played since college. It's not just this year or last year. It's how I think when I get on the basketball floor."
Westbrook will face stiff competition at the position in the Western Conference this season. Last year Stephen Curry of the Warriors averaged more points (24), and Chris Paul of the Clippers averaged more assists (10.7) along with 2.5 steals.
A title would go a long way toward cementing Brooks and Westbrook's assertions, and Westbrook sees Oklahoma City getting there this year.
"We know what it takes to win games, we know what it takes to get to the top, but we don't know what it feels like to win a championship," Westbrook said. "There are steps you have to make as a unit, and I'm pretty sure we're going to make those."
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