Sunday, December 04, 2016

The Twelve Days of Gheorghemas: Day Two

On the second day of Gheorghemas
Big Gheorghe gave to me

And the debut of Mac McFisty
Two Digits Throughout History

Is it possible to fall victim to recency bias and still be watching something historically unprecedented? Let's find out.

Most NBA observers expected Russell Westbrook to put up large numbers in the absence of long-time running mate Kevin Durant, but I don't think very many of them thought he'd take a run at Oscar Robertson. Through 20 games, nearly a quarter of the way through the season, the Thunder guard is averaging 31.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 11.2 assists. Not since the Big O's second season in 1961-62 has anyone averaged a triple double for an entire year - and that's the only time it's ever happened.

Westbrook is in the top 10 in the league in all three categories (2nd in both points and assists/game and 10th in boards. He's a 6'3" guard. This isn't normal.). Despite the fact that his usage rate of 41.0 is off the charts, he's third in Basketball Prospectus' Player Efficiency Ratings.

It's not just the numbers that tell the story of Westbrook's absurd season, nor the fact that he's carried a Thunder team widely expected to struggle to a 12-8 record. No, the thing that's always made Westbrook a must-watch remains intact, and then some. He's the most athletic player in a league comprised of the most athletic people in the world. Watch what he does here to 7'0" Clint Capela:



That dunk, over a seven-footer, with his off hand, won that game for the Thunder. Westbrook is impossible.

People thought Oscar Robertson was impossible, too, in 1961-62. After one of the more remarkable rookie seasons in NBA history, the Big O was even better in his second campaign, recording 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game for the Cincinnati Royals. While the Royals wound up bowing out of the playoffs in the first round, Robertson's season echoes in history.

It says here that Westbrook's is better (or will be, if he sustains this pace). In 1961-62, Robertson's Royals averaged 124.9 possessions per game. The 2016-17 Oklahoma Thunder are averaging 98.7, fairly quick by current NBA standards. Basketball today is a very different game than it's predecessor. Robertson had 26 more opportunities per game to grab a board, drop a dime, or score a bucket than does Westbrook. The Big O's PER of 26 was fourth in the league, but it trails Westbrook's 30.1.

Russell Westbrook is on pace to have one of the most incredible seasons in NBA history, and stamp himself as the King of the Triple Doub...wait...that's...I hate to burst your bubble, but it's triple double trouble:



That's Magic Johnson's music!

While Westbrook is having a truly epic season, he's got work to do to track down the greatest triple double creator in league history outside of Robertson (who finished with 181). Magic recorded an amazing 138 in 905 career games (while Westbrook's up to 46 in 605 with the nine he's dropped this year - including four in a row).

Magic clearly wasn't the scorer, or devastating physical presence that Westbrook is, but his game remains the most unique blend of skills in the modern era.

I think I'd still rather watch Westbrook, though. I really just wanted a chance to post that song.

19 comments:

TR said...

My first memories of the NBA were of a league where Bird and Magic had just wrestled the alpha dog title from Dr J. Always surprises me how short those two players' careers were, relative to now.

Marls said...

I know this isn't news, but looking at today's slate of NFL games really underscores the issues the league has. Is there one compelling match up? Raiders v Bills? A mediocre Giants squad against the 6-5 Steelers. Parity sucks.

TR said...

Ravens-Fins is a sneaky good match-up. And Giants-Steelers is a good one: Ben v Eli, test for a soft 8-3 Giants.

The real hot action is Monday night...

TR said...

Back to my prior point on short careers. The following players have played more regular season games than Magic: Zaza Pachulia, Zach Randolph, Andre Iguodala, Carmelo, Mike Dunleavy and Kyle Korver.

zman said...

How many of them contracted HIV?

rob said...

niners/bears!

zman said...

You aren't pumped for the 1990 AFC championship game rematch?

rob said...

i'd go to that game if it were in san fran. 'cause of the legal weed, and all.

TR said...

None got HIV, including Magic. #hottake

Danimal said...

anyone watching Chris Peterson on ESPN right now? I can't stop looking at his Adam's Apple region...it's weird.

Danimal said...

getting ready for a 1:00 conf call. on my anniversary. not optimal.

zman said...

I have Rams/Pats and Texans/Packers. Meh. At least the game in GB has snow. The potential for unintended Osweillerian comedy in snow is high.

zman said...

Belichick is playing chess while Fischer is playing chutes and ladders. Goff is losing.

zman said...

Rams have 26 in the first half. Yards. 26 yards.

zman said...

This is fantastic. Russel Simmons, Sarah Moulton, Christmas in Hollis! If I had any friends I would do the same thing.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/12/01/nyregion/bill-adler-christmas-jollies.html

TR said...

Thanks...

TR said...

Over/under on screen time for Thandie Newton's (or her CG body double's) bizarre nipples is set at 69 seconds. How are y'all laying your bets?

Danimal said...

Another mind blowing Jags stat....Bortles has more pick 6's than he does wins.

rob said...

russ had another triple double today. five in a row. no big deal.