Russell Westbrook Worst MVP Ever? Examining The 2017 NBA Season

It's a debate that ignites passions among basketball fans: Is Russell Westbrook the worst MVP in NBA history? This article dives deep into Westbrook's controversial 2016-2017 MVP season, examining the arguments for and against his candidacy, comparing his stats and impact to other MVP winners, and ultimately attempting to answer this complex question. The discussion around Russell Westbrook's MVP award in 2017 is anything but simple. While he undeniably achieved a historic feat by averaging a triple-double, a mark not seen since Oscar Robertson in 1962, the circumstances surrounding the award and the overall impact of his play have led many to question its validity. This deep dive aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the topic, avoiding simplistic judgments and instead focusing on a balanced evaluation of Westbrook's performance, the context of the season, and the criteria typically used for MVP selection. We'll explore the statistical dominance that fueled his candidacy, the narratives that propelled him to the award, and the counterarguments that highlight the team's performance and Westbrook's efficiency. By examining all facets of the debate, we can arrive at a more nuanced understanding of whether Westbrook's MVP season was truly deserving of the honor or if it stands as an outlier in the history of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy.

The Historic Triple-Double Season

In the 2016-2017 NBA season, Russell Westbrook achieved something truly remarkable: he averaged a triple-double for the entire season. This feat – averaging double-digit points, rebounds, and assists – had only been accomplished once before in NBA history, by Oscar Robertson in the 1961-1962 season. Westbrook's accomplishment immediately cemented his place in basketball history and became the cornerstone of his MVP candidacy. The sheer difficulty of averaging a triple-double cannot be overstated. It requires a unique blend of scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and passing vision. Westbrook displayed all these qualities in abundance, driving the Oklahoma City Thunder's offense after the departure of Kevin Durant. His relentless energy, aggressive drives to the basket, and willingness to create opportunities for his teammates made him a nightly triple-double threat. Beyond the raw numbers, the triple-double became a symbol of Westbrook's all-around impact on the game. It showcased his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game and his determination to will his team to victory. The statistical achievement resonated deeply with fans and media alike, fueling a narrative of individual brilliance and historical significance. However, the reliance on triple-doubles as the sole measure of a player's value has also been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it can sometimes overshadow other important aspects of the game, such as efficiency and overall team success. Still, the undeniable rarity and impressiveness of Westbrook's accomplishment made it a central argument in his MVP case, and it remains a significant part of his legacy.

Arguments for Westbrook's MVP

Several compelling arguments supported Russell Westbrook's MVP award in 2017. Firstly, the aforementioned triple-double was a monumental achievement, a statistical anomaly that hadn't been seen in over half a century. This alone placed him in a rarefied air and captured the imagination of the basketball world. Secondly, Westbrook's individual brilliance single-handedly carried the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs after the departure of Kevin Durant. Durant's move to the Golden State Warriors left a gaping hole in the Thunder's roster, and many predicted a steep decline for the team. However, Westbrook elevated his game to an unprecedented level, shouldering the scoring and playmaking burden while leading a relatively inexperienced supporting cast. His relentless scoring, driving force, and sheer willpower inspired his teammates and kept the Thunder competitive in a tough Western Conference. Thirdly, the narrative surrounding Westbrook was undeniably powerful. He was the lone superstar battling against the odds, the underdog defying expectations. This narrative resonated with voters and fans who appreciate individual effort and determination. His unwavering commitment to his team and his electrifying performances made him a captivating figure, further solidifying his MVP case. The combination of statistical dominance, individual leadership, and a compelling narrative proved to be a potent formula, ultimately swaying voters in Westbrook's favor. However, these arguments were not without their critics, and the subsequent discussion has focused on whether these factors outweighed other considerations, such as team success and efficiency.

Counterarguments and Criticisms

Despite the compelling arguments in favor of Westbrook's MVP, numerous criticisms and counterarguments have been raised. A primary point of contention is the Thunder's overall record. While Westbrook's individual performance was outstanding, the Thunder finished with a 47-35 record, which ranked sixth in the Western Conference. Historically, MVP winners have typically come from teams with better records, raising questions about whether individual brilliance should outweigh team success. Another criticism focuses on Westbrook's efficiency. While he averaged a league-leading 31.6 points per game, he did so on 42.5% shooting from the field, a relatively low percentage for a player of his caliber. His high usage rate also meant that he often dominated the ball, potentially hindering the development of his teammates and impacting the team's overall offensive flow. Furthermore, some analysts argue that Westbrook's pursuit of triple-doubles may have sometimes taken precedence over making the optimal basketball play. There were instances where he appeared to prioritize rebounds and assists over scoring opportunities, potentially affecting the team's scoring efficiency. The comparison to other MVP winners also raises questions. Players like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden, who were also contenders in 2017, led teams with superior records and often exhibited greater efficiency. This comparison highlights the subjective nature of the MVP award and the different criteria that voters may prioritize. The debate over Westbrook's MVP ultimately boils down to whether individual statistical achievements and narratives should outweigh team success and efficiency in the selection process. This is a complex question with no easy answer, and the discussion continues to this day.

Comparing Westbrook to Other MVPs

To truly assess whether Russell Westbrook's MVP is among the