Jazz, Hornets on a roll; OKC OK

Not much movement at the top of the rankings this week, so let's instead use this space to take a closer look at one of the more intriguing young talents in the NBA: Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook.

Here's what we know about Westbrook: He's a freakish athlete with explosive scoring ability (15.8 points per game) and the kind of defensive mentality that may eventually earn him a spot on one of the league's All-Defense teams. He's also a big reason why the Thunder just completed a 3-1 week (despite the absences of Kevin Durant and Jeff Green) and are 13-17 since Jan. 6.

Here's what we don't know about Westbrook: At what position is he best suited?

Is it point guard? At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Westbrook has the potential to be a bullying playmaker. He's got a strong first step, and though he won't be confused with Steve Nash anytime soon, the Thunder feel his drive-and-kick skills create enough opportunities for teammates. His jump shot is suspect, but Oklahoma City is convinced that it will develop in time.

But Westbrook's assist-to-turnover ratio (1.55 to 1) is abysmal and his shoot-first mind-set has some NBA scouts thinking that he's a better fit at shooting guard.

The Thunder plan to be patient and allow Westbrook, 20, time to develop at the point alongside Durant, 20, and the 22-year-old Green. But with two first-round picks in the June draft, it's also unlikely Oklahoma City will pass on a highly rated point guard (Ricky Rubio?) just because Westbrook is on the roster.

(All stats and records are through Sunday.)

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