James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George Career Comparison

Have you ever asked yourself who the best player on the Los Angeles Clippers is? This is between the franchise's four superstars. The answer for most would be 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner Kawhi Leonard. 

Even if we compare the careers of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, the answer would be the same: Kawhi has won two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. 

However, if we exclude Kawhi Leonard from this career comparison, things will be very interesting. 

Currently, we can say that Paul George is a better player than James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but what if we compare their careers? James Harden and Russell Westbrook have already won the MVP award, and they have an edge over Paul George, who was a top-3 MVP finisher in 2019.

Through nine categories, we will find out which NBA star has the best career between James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George. 


Best Stats

1. James Harden - 24.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG (3 points)

2. Russell Westbrook - 22.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG (2 points)

3. Paul George - 20.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG (1 point)

James Harden, a prolific scorer, leads in points per game with 24.7 and also serves as a playmaker with 7.0 assists per game. His offensive versatility is evident in his ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates. Although he doesn't boast the highest statistics in rebounds and steals, his offensive impact is undeniable, acting as a driving force for the teams he's played for.

Russell Westbrook, known for his high-energy style of play, is a guard with phenomenal rebounding ability for his position. His 7.3 rebounds per game average is exceptional for a guard, and his 8.4 assists showcase his playmaking abilities. Westbrook is also a relentless ball thief on defense, reflecting his intensity and commitment on both ends of the court.

On the other hand, Paul George is a versatile forward impacting multiple facets of the game. Despite his slightly lower scoring average, he stands out in defense with 1.7 steals per game, displaying his ability to disrupt opponent plays. His rebounding average, while not as high as Westbrook's, remains noteworthy for a player of his position.


Most NBA Championships

1. James Harden - 0 (0 points)

1. Russell Westbrook - 0 (0 points)

1. Paul George - 0 (0 points)

All three players, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, have not secured an NBA Championship during their respective careers, resulting in an equal standing with zero points for this category. Despite their exceptional individual talents and significant contributions to their teams, an NBA Championship has eluded them thus far.


Most MVP Awards

1. Russell Westbrook - 1 (3 points)

1. James Harden - 1 (3 points)

3. Paul George - 0 (1 point)

Russell Westbrook earned his MVP recognition in the 2016-2017 season, delivering an exceptional and historic performance with an average of a triple-double throughout the season. His relentless energy, statistical achievements, and impact on the court earned him this prestigious accolade.

James Harden's MVP award came in the 2017-2018 season, displaying incredible offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. His scoring, combined with his playmaking and leadership, made a compelling case for him as the league's most valuable player.

Paul George's contribution to the league has been significant, but as of this assessment, he hasn't secured an MVP award, placing him behind his counterparts in this specific category. Despite this, his consistent and impressive performance deserves recognition, albeit without an MVP title.


Most Finals MVP Awards

1. James Harden - 0 (0 points)

1. Russell Westbrook - 0 (0 points)

1. Paul George - 0 (0 points)

None of these talented players have earned a Finals MVP Award in their respective careers up to this point. This award typically goes to the most impactful player during the NBA Finals, showcasing exceptional performance and influence in guiding their team to the championship. As none of these players have received this particular recognition, they all hold the same position in this assessment with no points attributed to any individual.


Most All-NBA Team Selections

1. James Harden - 9 selections (3 points)

1. Russell Westbrook - 9 selections (3 points)

2. Paul George - 5 selections (2 points)

These All-NBA Team selections highlight the sustained excellence and undeniable influence that James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George have exhibited over their careers. The numerous selections underscore their consistent contributions and recognition among the league's elite players.

Paul George, while a significant force in the league, follows with five selections, earning him two points in this evaluation. His presence among the All-NBA selections showcases his impact and proficiency in the league, although falling slightly behind Harden and Westbrook in total selections.


Most All-Defensive Team Selections

1. Paul George - 4 selections (3 points)

2. James Harden - 0 selections (2 points)

2. Russell Westbrook - 0 selections (2 points)

In the domain of All-Defensive Team selections, Paul George takes the lead with four selections, securing three points in this comparative ranking. George's defensive prowess and contributions on the court have been acknowledged with these selections, highlighting his abilities as a defensive stalwart in the league.

On the other hand, both James Harden and Russell Westbrook have yet to receive All-Defensive Team selections. Although they are renowned for their offensive capabilities, their absence in this particular category translates to both players receiving two points each in this evaluation.


Most All-Star Selections

1. James Harden - 10 selections (3 points)

2. Russell Westbrook - 9 selections (2 points)

3. Paul George - 8 selections (1 point)

James Harden leads the pack with an impressive tally of 10 selections, earning him three points in this comparative ranking. Harden's consistent dominance and exceptional performance have resulted in numerous All-Star appearances, solidifying his status among the league's elite players.

Russell Westbrook follows closely behind with nine All-Star selections, securing two points in this evaluation. Westbrook's high-energy style of play and significant impact on the court have consistently earned him a place among the league's top players.

Paul George, while not far behind, holds eight All-Star selections, granting him one point in this comparison. His presence in multiple All-Star games demonstrates his impact and recognition within the league's premier talents.


Total Win Shares

1. James Harden - 158.0 (3 points)

2. Russell Westbrook - 108.9 (2 points)

3. Paul George - 82.3 (1 point)

James Harden leads the trio with an impressive tally of 158.0, earning him three points in this comparative ranking. Harden's substantial Win Shares reflect his significant contributions to team success throughout his career, highlighting his impact on the court.

Russell Westbrook follows with a notable 108.9 Win Shares, securing two points in this assessment. Westbrook's strong and influential performances have led to considerable contributions to his teams' successes over the years.

Paul George, while displaying a commendable 82.3 Win Shares, earns one point in this comparison. His contributions, while significant, fall slightly behind those of Harden and Westbrook in terms of Win Shares.


PER (Player Efficiency Rating)

1. James Harden - 24.3 (3 points)

2. Russell Westbrook - 22.2 (3 points)

3. Paul George - 19.4 (3 points)

When considering the Player Efficiency Rating (PER) for James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, it's evident that James Harden holds the highest PER among the three, boasting a remarkable 24.3. This number signifies his exceptional on-court efficiency and overall impact in various statistical categories.

Following closely, Russell Westbrook's PER stands at 22.2, reflecting his significant and well-rounded contributions on the basketball court. Despite being slightly lower than Harden's, Westbrook's PER showcases his versatility and efficiency in multiple aspects of the game.

In contrast, Paul George holds a PER of 19.4, a respectable number that highlights his overall efficiency and contributions in the game. While not reaching the same PER levels as Harden and Westbrook, George's score still signifies his significant impact and efficiency in the games he plays.


Who Had A Better Career Between James Harden, Russell Westbrook And Paul George?

1. James Harden - 21 points

2. Russell Westbrook - 18 points

3. Paul George - 13 points

James Harden emerges as the player with the highest point total in this comparative evaluation. Harden's offensive prowess, consistent All-Star appearances, high Win Shares, and a remarkable PER highlight his significant impact on the court. His MVP award, multiple All-NBA selections, and elite scoring and playmaking abilities cement his position as one of the top players of his era.

Russell Westbrook, with slightly fewer points than Harden, brings an unparalleled intensity and a unique skill set to the game. His MVP award, All-Star selections, high rebounding as a guard, and substantial Win Shares underline his exceptional impact. Westbrook's triple-double achievements and relentless approach to the game have solidified his place among the league's most impactful players.

Paul George might have fewer points in this evaluation, but his contributions are still noteworthy. His defensive abilities, multiple All-Star appearances, and consistent performances, both offensively and defensively, showcase his significance in the league. Despite not winning an MVP award or accumulating as many Win Shares, George's impact cannot be understated.

Comparing their careers becomes a nuanced task because each player excels in different aspects. Harden's offensive dominance and playmaking, Westbrook's relentless energy and all-around game, and George's two-way presence make them significant contributors to the NBA landscape. Harden's lead in points could be attributed to his exceptional offensive skills, but Westbrook's unique achievements and George's defensive prowess also carve out their distinct places in NBA history.


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