Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is making a strong case for the league MVP award. With Durant recorded his 12th straight game with at least 30 points in Wednesday's win over the Heat, the Thunder should consider trading Russell Westbrook before the NBA deadline.
The Thunder haven't missed a beat with Westbrook sidelined. Durant's carried the offensive load and spurred Oklahoma City onto a nine-game winning streak. Although he's already considered a superstar, Durant's performance in the absence of Westbrook is catapulting him into the discussion of being one of the top two basketball players in the world.
Durant is already a three-time NBA scoring champion, but what he's shown himself capable of doing when getting more touches has been incredible. Oklahoma City is clicking on all cylinders, and it begs the question if Westbrook's return will throw the team's new dynamic off kilter.
Westbrook is one of the top point guards in the league, but he's more of a shooter than a facilitator. It makes sense Durant's numbers are up without Westbrook, who averages 16.5 shots per game. The question is whether Oklahoma City is better off with Durant taking as many shots as he is now.
Durant is more efficient than Westbrook. Westbrook is shooting .424 from the field this season; Durant, without Westbrook, is shooting .539 from the field in the month of January while averaging 36.6 points per contest.
It's hard to imagine Westbrook becoming a pass-first point guard, which leads to the possibility of Oklahoma City trading him and reaping huge rewards in picks, assets or a combination of both.
If you were to ask Durant, he'd say the team needs Westbrook. The team needed Westbrook last season in the playoffs. Opponents focused all their coverages on Durant in the postseason, and it worked to stifle him.
This season is different. Teams are still focusing their defenses on Durant, but it's not working - he has 12 straight games with 30-plus points.
Westbrook has been criticized at times for his shot selection. When he comes back, will he still feel the need to take at least 16 shots per game? The answer to that may determine his future in Oklahoma City.
