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Russell Westbrook received the 2016-17 NBA Most Valuable Player award after averaging a triple-double and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs — their first season without Kevin Durant, who signed with the Golden State Warriors in free agency.
While Westbrook is averaging a near triple-double (0.1 rebounds away) and the Thunder have an opportunity to match last season's win total (47) again, the 29-year-old is not considered a candidate for the award. As Oklahoma City traded for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, there is a perception they have not met expectations.
With the Thunder taking on the Rockets, Westbrook was asked about James Harden's ninth season according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN:
Russell Westbrook said James Harden is having a great year for team with the best record, but he stopped short of declaring Harden deserves MVP. “I don’t have a pick. There’s a lot of guys doing a lot of great things in the league. Honestly, I don’t know what you go off of.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 7, 2018
Although LeBron James has had an incredible 15th season and Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard have made strong pushes following the All-Star break, Harden is considered the favorite for the award. The 28-year-old is averaging 30.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.7 assists as the Houston Rockets have the league's best record and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
With the Utah Jazz (fourth spot) and Minnesota Timberwolves (eighth spot) only separated by 1.5 games, there is a potential first round matchup between the Thunder and Rockets. If it works out accordingly, basketball fans will be excited for Harden and Chris Paul against the Big Three.
