You're right. I have a very limited sample size on OKC games. But in many of the games I have seen, he lets his emotions take away from his performance on the court. As Ulrich said, I think Westbrook needs more of a take what the defense gives you approach. Westbrook's desire to take over a game when he's flustered isn't healthy, and that is the major difference between him and guys like Kobe and MJ that you mentioned. Those guys have a killer instinct that Westbrook simply does not have at this point. But he certainly has all the talent in the world. If he can just improve the mental side of his game he will be a terror for years to come if he can stay healthy

That's why I was saying earlier some of his comments while he's been out, about watching the game from the stands, he seems to be taking some in. I tell myself we're talking about a guy who's still very young, so to think he won't/can't improve his game is foolish. Same goes for any of these young guys in the league.

If that's the case, and Westbrook actually realizes that and improves that portion of his game, then his injury could end up being the best thing that could have ever happened for the OKC franchise. Westbrook has the potential to be an absolute star if he can just figure everything out mentally, and if he does, the Thunder will be an even scarier team than they already are

Westbrook plays with a lot of emotion, but I've never thought of it as such a negative impact as some of y'all. I think it does as much good as bad for him.

In reference to that free throw line shot he takes, if I were a Thunder fan I would never mind it when he takes it in transition. He almost always makes it. In the half court is when he could dial it down a bit, coming off screens and trying to shoot over the top of big guys. And he needs to shoot fewer threes in my opinion. Shot selection was way better this year but could still use a little work.

If someone ranked Westbrook anywhere between 4 - 10, I'd be OK with any of those spots (All NBA First Team or Second). He's outstanding, and KD truly benefits from him being on the court.

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In reference to that free throw line shot he takes, if I were a Thunder fan I would never mind it when he takes it in transition. He almost always makes it. In the half court is when he could dial it down a bit, coming off screens and trying to shoot over the top of big guys. And he needs to shoot fewer threes in my opinion. Shot selection was way better this year but could still use a little work.

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Almost any time he has the defender backpedaling it's a good shot. When the defender beats him to that spot and makes him chop the footwork a little short of where he planned to take off, it looks really out of control.

In transition, of course, the defender is always backpedaling. In the halfcourt, the defender is more likely to hold his ground knowing there is help at the rim.