Westbrook readily admits that he never dreamed about playing in the NBA as he perceived himself as a book worm in high school and wanted to attend Stanford University where academic standards are very high. The Lakers Magic Johnson is his favorite player. Although he lived a few miles from the Forum where the Lakers played they had won five NBA titles in the 80's before he was born November 12, 1988.

As a pro four years on the he has surpassed his stats over his college performances beginning with his rookie season where he averaged 15.3 ppg. Since that time each season he has improved his numbers to where he now has a 19 ppg. career average topped off by this seasons career best 23.6 ppg. His career average is playing 34.2 minutes per game.

Some perceive him as being a selfish player others a diamond in the rough. Westbrook has established himself as an elite athlete who constantly attacks the basket. When attacking the basket, Westbrook is also known for being able to pull up for the medium range jump shot or pass it out to an open teammate. He is capable of initiating the pick and roll, averaging 7.1 assists per game throughout his first three seasons. At 6 feet 3 inches, Westbrook is an above average rebounder, averaging 4.8 rebounds throughout his first four seasons. He is constantly able to get to the free throw line, contributing to the average of 19 points per game throughout his first four seasons.

The main weakness cited in Westbrook's ability is his lack of three-point range; he has averaged .289 on three-point field goal percentage for his four year NBA career. Westbrook is also turnover prone, averaging 3.5 turnovers per game during his first four seasons. In game four his blunder added to that total.

You may not like his game face snarl but one must admit he is talented with his go for the juggler driving style to the basket. Love him or loathe him there is no doubt that Westbrook is a diamond in the rough who is improving with experience, The Thunder have improved their record every season with the trio of Westbrook, Durant and James Harden.

The Thunder won only 23 games with during the 2008-09 season of 82 games with Westbrook and Durant. After Harden joined the squad for the 2009-10 season they improved to winning 50 of 82 games. In 2010-11 they continued their development winning 55 of 82 games. This season was their best in winning 47 games but played only 66 games in a strike shortened season resulting in a higher winning percentage of .712% to last seasons .671%.

The great Chicago Bulls teams with Michael Jordan took years to mature and develop into the team that won 6 NBA titles with their top players in tact. The Thunder may not win the title this season but they are the rising sun on the NBA future all time great teams providing they stay in tact. Westbrook is only making $5,082,416 this season but on January 19, 2012 Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a 5 year $80 million extension. Durant is earning $15,506,632 and Harden $4,604,760.

That's the sweet and sour news. The good news is the over-hyped Miami Heat with their Big 3 of James, Wade and Chris Bosch will win their first NBA title as they promised when they signed up last season to do just that.

TRIVIA ANSWER: # 4 Russell Westbrook - # 5 Kevin Love - # 37 Luc Mbah a Moute. At UCLA, Westbrook and Love, were roommates. The team also included NBA players Darren Collison and Arron Afflalo.

TRIVIA PLUS: Derrick Rose was the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. The Thunders Serge Ibaka was the # 24 pick in the 1st round. The Miami Heat's Mario Chalmers was the 34th pick in the 2nd round.