Article:Thunder's Draft Selection for Next Year.

Not much has gone positive for the Oklahoma City Thunder this year. P.J. Carlesimo was released from his duties as he did not mesh well with the young Thunder roster. His replacement, Scott Brooks, has not fared well since becoming the head coach. However, the Thunder have been much more competitive under his tutelage, even though they continue lose. The result of losing means the Thunder will have the best chance to have the number one overall pick in next year's draft.

Some believe their choice depends much on how Russell Westbrook develops as point guard. As of right now, Westbrook is doing about as well as a rookie can do. His statistics are up since becoming a starter. Improvements can be seen in his points per game, assists, rebounding, field goal percentage, and three point shooting percentage. One glaring problem is his decision-making. That problem can be seen in the amount of turnovers as he has 43 turnovers in 12 games as a starter. Westbrook had 42 turnovers in 17 games. He is still learning on the job. Point guard is not his most natural position. His progress in his first year in the league is paramount, at least that is what some seem to think.

Here is what some scouts think of Russell Westbrook from the NewsOK :

"Whether he’s a true point guard, I don’t know,” said one scout. "Maybe he’s a combo guard. But if I were them I’d say, ‘He’s my guy at the point’ and go from there. I like what I’ve seen. He’s so athletic. He can learn a lot of what he’s lacking.”

Another NBA scout isn’t as optimistic.

"I haven’t been impressed,” the scout said. "I don’t think he’s a starting point guard. Never did like him at point. His ball handling is an issue. He makes a lot of poor decisions. Maybe he’ll convince me otherwise in a couple of years. But from what I’ve seen, he’s got a long ways to go as a point guard.”

"I like his athleticism. And he’s a good kid,” the scout said of Westbrook. "I just don’t see where he fits. Maybe he will improve. Right now I just don’t see it. I question whether he will ever be a dependable point guard. That’s the guy running your offense, the one position you can least afford mistakes.”

Those reviews are not glowing, but there is much to like about Russell Westbrook. He has good height for the point guard position. The former UCLA baller can drive and finish at the basket because of his strength and excellent athleticism. Westbrook is also a two-way player as his defense has been as advertise; though he still makes those mental lapses on that end of the floor. He still has ways to go on the offensive end of the floor.

If the Thunder have the opportunity to draft Blake Griffin or Ricky Rubio, who should they draft? That is the biggest question in Oklahoma right now. The decision should be easy for the Thunder. Look at the make-up of their roster. That organization has Kevin Durant, a budding star, Jeff Green, an excellent young role player, and Russell Westbrook, who despite his shortcomings has the makings of something special. The Thunder lack a low post scorer. Blake Griffin would provide that scoring in the post. He and Kevin Durant could make for a great one-two punch for many years, or at least until Durant hits free agency.

This pick is a no-brainer. Ricky Rubio certainly is quite a talent. He can shoot three, has good ball-handling skills (tends to repeat one of his crossover moves on consecutive possessions), pesky defender (think Sasha Vujacic), and a good decision-maker. There isn't one great attribute that stands out from the rest. Where as Russell Westbrook has excellent athleticism, excellent ability to finish at the rim, and excellent defense. That description was how he was advertised before draft day.

Who do you think the Oklahoma City Thunder should draft?