Derrick Rose vs. Russell Westbrook: Are They Comparable or am I Crazy?

So, does Westbrook actually compare to Rose? This may be a little out there but I will explain later. First we will look at the intangibles, then we will look at the stats.

Derrick Rose lead his team to the championship but choked and missed some free throws.

Positives: Great size, advanced PG game and makes teammates better, he is a "World Class Athlete" and knows how to win. Gets to the basket and finishes. Makes good decisions and creates shots for his teammates. Good shot mechanics. Wants to make the big-play and takes it in his hand to win the games.

Negatives: Not a great shooter or free-throw shooter, needs to learn how to get through the pick and roll and is a shaky defender but it didn't show in college because he had such an advantage in athleticism it didn't show.

Russell Westbrook really took his game to the next level when it came March. That being said, Derrick Rose and co. stopped them despite Westbrook's best offensive game of the season.

Positives: The best on-ball defender in the NCAA, gets to the basket and finishes.  He has a great upside, likes pressure situations, and is a very hard worker. His athleticism is right up there with Derrick Rose. He is a late bloomer. He's a good passer who lead his team in assists even though he was mostly playing SG.

Negatives: Not a great free throw shooter or shooter, (but a report from Portland said that he shot over 70 percent from the NBA three in their workouts). He needs to realize his upside and potential. Labeled a combo guard and needs to improve decision making and ball handling.

Edge: Even

Here is a quick look at their very comparable stats:

Derrick Rose

MIN

PTS

REB

AST

TO

A/T

STL

BLK

PF

FG%

FT%

3P%

Russell Westbrook

MIN

PTS

REB

AST

TO

A/T

STL

BLK

PF

FG%

FT%

3P%

They are almost identical except in points per game. This is probably because UCLA has more scorers on their team. It's just too close to call.

EDGE: Even

The "IT" factor

RW: Array of dunks against Cal. On the break he is a beast.

DR: He has the name Rose. He is a world class athlete, and you can’t argue with the No. 23.

Small edge: Derrick Rose

Offense

RW: Dunking and a decent pull up J. Great lateral movement.

DR: Dunking and absorbing contact and finishing after changing his shot. Great lateral movement.

Edge: Rose

Defense

RW: Defensive player of the year. He locked down everybody and stayed there with Derrick Rose in the Final Four. Gets to the ball and gets a lot of steals. He has long arms and keeps them in the passing lanes. He works hard and takes pride in his defense.

DR: Has great quickness and as a result gets a lot of steals. However, he doesn't know how to pull or get around screens albeit still works hard at it.

Big edge: Russell Westbrook

Athleticism

Everyone can see that Russell Westbrook is almost there but he just isn't used to his body yet.

Small edge: Rose

They are really close in all of these categories. The only distinct difference is in both of their defensive games. Westbrook pulls away from Rose in this category.

All the above being said, I believe both are going to be All-Stars. I think this justifies the Sonics' pick of Russell Westbrook at No. 4.