“I’ve always had to prove myself to people growing up. I had to show them that I could do this and I could do that and paying no mind to what critics said.”
While the former sentence doesn’t raise eyebrows, the latter half of Russell Westbrook’s second sentence describes his situation all too well. Heavily criticized for being an overly eager Robin to defending MVP teammate Kevin Durant, constantly chastised for being too aggressive and often reckless, and not possessing the traditional mold of a Point Guard whose job is to pass first and score second are the most common criticisms associated with Westbrook. With all these stereotypes, with all these stigmas, Westbrook can sum up how he feels concretely and concisely in seven simple words; “paying no mind to what critics say.”
With the second half of the NBA season ready to commence on Thursday, February 19th, its Westbrook’s critics, Westbrook’s naysayers, Westbrook’s doubters, that need to closely delve into how Westbrook is an overlooked MVP candidate. For most, the MVP is a two-horse race between Golden State Warrior’s babyfaced assassin, three-point marksman Stephen Curry, and the Houston Rockets beard-faced, league-leading scoring stalwart, James Harden. Along the way names such as Anthony “The Brow” Davis and LeBron James are heard. Names such as Damian Lillard, Marc Gasol, and Chris Paul will also rack up votes.
Just as the forenamed names will garner votes (likely mostly third-fifth place votes) it’s Russell Westbrook who should be accumulating the upper echelon votes, the votes that seem reserved for Curry and Harden, the first and second place votes.
Having played 53 of a possible 82 games, “Loud City’s” lone big four franchise sits a mere 1/2 game behind the Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff seed. While OKC has played 53 games, their defending MVP, Durant, has been out for over half, only suiting up for 26. On the contrary, Westbrook has been present for all 39 of the team’s contests since sitting out the initial 14 due to a small fracture in his right hand he endured in the team’s final preseason contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. Since his return, the thunder are an impressive 25-14, opposed to a lackluster 4-10 without him.
Despite the injury, Westbrook hasn’t missed a beat, absolutely torching opponents much to the delight of fantasy fiends. Westbrook’s averaging 25.8 ppg, 7.6 apg, 6.3 rpg, 2.2 spg, and a 28.5 PER, second behind only Anthony Davis. When compared with his counterpart, Curry, Westbrook has him beat in practically every department (falling just shy of eclipsing Curry’s assist average). Curry boasts numbers of 23.6 ppg, 7.9 apg, 4.7 rpg, 2.2 spg, and a 27.45 PER in 51 games. Westbrook’s former teammate, Harden, touts numbers of 27.4 ppg, 6.8 apg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 spg, and a PER of 27.39.
Now, why is it that when MVP voting is discussed, Westbrook’s name isn’t alongside that of Harden and Curry’s? Why is Westbrook’s name absent? Why is Westbrook overlooked? Not only does Westbrook have statistical averages that are in the same league (surpassing Curry and Harden in most departments) but OKC’s dismal 4-10 record without Westbrook on the floor showcases how vital number zero is to Scott Brooks squad.
To add further merit, to Westbrook’s importance, KD hasn’t played a game this season without Westbrook as he began the season with a fractured foot and didn’t return until the first game of December vs. New Orleans. To many, a 4-10 record without the former UCLA playmaker, and the former Longhorn swingman would merit an expected, and not too shabby start. On the flip side, its been Westbrook who has carried this team, during KD’s on the court and off. Ironically, similarly to how KD carried OKC last season due to Westbrook’s injury woes.
Westbrook has posted a 6-4 record without KD in the lineup, including an impressive Christmas Day victory in San Antonio going for 32 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. In the words of Russell Westbrook himself, “don’t hate on the brodie.”