NBA fans waste no time in attacking players who they believe has to do more for their teams. Since the start of the season, Russell Westbrook has received the most heat, mainly due to his turnover problems and the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggle to win games.
It is not uncommon for fans to hold players to a higher standard, but it has been intense for Russ, especially because of the franchise he plays for. But a fan has decided to draw parallels between Westbrook’s performance and that of James Harden for the Brooklyn Nets.
The fans took to social media platform Twitter to share his opinion, stating that Russ has been at the receiving end of more attacks, but nobody is acknowledging that he is having a better season than Harden.
Westbrook is playing better than James harden this season but nobody will say anything
— 𝔹𝕠𝕝𝕨𝕣𝕝𝕕 (@BolWrld) November 29, 2021
“Westbrook is playing better than James Harden this season but Nobody will say anything”
Many have trooped into the comments section to give their opinion on the topic.
Advanced stats are cool in most cases but they lie to you in this case. Win shares are somewhat of a team success thing. Nets have been better than the Lakers. Actually watching basketball tho, Russ is playing better than Harden as of late. Fg% is higher for Russ
— Wess (@westendwess) November 29, 2021
— Alberto (@Graffa_Oh7) November 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/SenzangakhonaKa/status/1465329334059606017
And it ain't even close
— Nicole 🦁🏳️🌈🇯🇲 (@ItsRookeyDuh) November 29, 2021
True but Nets are 0.7 and #1 right now. It’s easy to point fingers with the way the Lakers started the season.
— El Chupacabra (@ibrahim_ugah) November 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/yamomsmcm_/status/1465336134226087936
I really don’t feel like they’re playing much different, and both players have been equally as hated on
— housecall_ (@housecall__) November 29, 2021
He'll get his respect after the lakers get to the playoffs and he sustains this level of play. Laker Nation wants championships then we pour in all our respect and love. #LakeShow
— Vishant (@vishant_mittal) November 29, 2021
Using advanced stats to make Harden look much more efficient. Tbh, Harden has been worse. He’s turning the ball over more now & hg% is 3% points lower. Harden shoots better from the ft line & 3 so his advanced stats look much better. I’d take the season Russ us having tho
— Wess (@westendwess) November 29, 2021
dude im a nets fan and even i know harden is playing worse but we're winning games and harden didnt choke towards the end of a game(except vs the suns and EVERYONE slandered him for it)
— harish (@NetsW2) November 29, 2021
Westbrook is playing better. People just wont say it because the Lakers are ass rn and the Nets are the first seed in the East so yeah. Thats why.
now another debate, Stephen Curry is playing better than everyone in the league rn.
— AquaStrike ~ Depressed Dolphins Fan (@Aqua_Str1ke) November 29, 2021
Harden is leading the league in Turnovers buddy. The Lakers are a new team struggling with injuries that's why they are struggling. The Wizards got better bc they got Championship level deph from Russ not bc he left. Stop being a hater bro.
— ANALOGY (@GrapsAnalogy) November 29, 2021
By the numbers, you could argue that Russ is having a better season even though there is not much to split them. But if you factor in how often Harden has the ball in his hands and the role he plays for the Nets, then Russ could be the clear favorite.
Playing alongside LeBron James as a point guard is no easy task. There was the debate on who will orchestrate the offense, and so far, a lot has flown through James. Harden also spoke on how they look great on paper but have to figure out the fit.
Harden, on the other hand, has been hot and cold this season. Many have attributed his slow start to the season to the new NBA rules and his inability to draw fouls. All of Hardens high-scoring games this season have been those where he went to the charity stripe ten or more times.
With his dependence on free throws, the argument that Russ is playing better is valid because Russ’ game is not centered around drawing fouls.
So far, Westbrook is averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, while Harden is averaging 20.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. There are still 60+ games to play in the 2021-22 season, enough time for both players to pick up the slack and be their best selves.
