There are plenty of opinions to be found around the basketball world about what Thunder guard Russell Westbrook is doing.
To date, Westbrook has posted 39 triple doubles, on his way to averaging double figures in three categories for the 2016-2017 season. Only one other player in NBA history has accomplished that feat, and that is none other than the Big O himself, Oscar Robertson.
Robertson spoke with ESPN's Andy Katz and says not only does he hope Westbrook breaks his 55-year old record, but he's been rooting for him all season.
“I always thought he was a great basketball player. I was talking to some basketball people the other night, and I said, ‘I don't think any of these guards can beat him on a one-on-one game.' I think he's been tremendous for the team, his fans, and also for television.”
Westbrook is certainly in contention to bring home an MVP trophy due to his ridiculous performance, and Robertson believes he will do it, unlike himself who ranked third in voting when he averaged a triple-double.
“I think it's Westbrook. That's what I really think. Because years ago it was tough to win an MVP because it was based on winning championships – and Russell with the Celtics. They dominated. But one year, Wilt averaged 50 points a game and 29 rebounds and me a triple-double, but Bill won because his team advanced and we did not.”
The MVP is not currently determined by a championship because it is a regular season award. Westbrook, however, may very well find himself in the same situation as Robertson by season's end.
Win or lose, he is aiming to set a new triple-double record, and it doesn't hurt to receive high praise from the only other player to ever pull off such an amazing feat.
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