NBA Player Power Rankings: Russell Westbrook Pushing for MVP

Is Russell Westbrook catching up to Stephen Curry in the race for MVP? Find out in this week’s edition of the NBA Player Power Rankings.

The race for the 2015-16 NBA MVP award is over. We made that determination quite some time ago, as Stephen Curry was making genuine history, and the rest of the Association was merely playing at a level that deserved our respect and admiration.

Russell Westbrook is challenging the notion that the race for MVP has concluded with one of the best all-around seasons in NBA history.

Both Curry and Westbrook are working their way through the 2015-16 season in historic fashion. They’re producing at legendary levels, thus making genuine and compelling cases for an MVP award that’s becoming less of a guarantee by the week.

The question, of course, is can Westbrook actually catch Curry and win the MVP award? That has yet to be seen and determined.

This past week made the conversation all the more intriguing.

Next: Saving the Pursuit of History

20. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Shooting Guard

Slash Line: .471/.431/.867

Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 22.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 3.5 3PM

As Stephen Curry comes back down to a closer galaxy, the Golden State Warriors have turned to Klay Thompson to take over games. Whether it’s for a full 48 minutes or a more limited time period, Thompson has stepped up and thrived for the defending NBA champions.

With two 40-point games, and a huge game-tying shot at the end of regulation against the Utah Jazz, Thompson’s most recent week helps him crack the Top 20.

Thompson has an uncanny ability to balance a stretch of underwhelming outings with an explosive scoring performance. Over the past month, however, he’s consistently stepped up and provided the Warriors with vital contributions on both ends.

This past week, Thompson scored 40 points in two different games, struggled against the Washington Wizards, and played savior against the Jazz—quite the balance.

Thompson is likely to be honored with an All-Defensive Team selection in 2015-16, and rightfully so. He routinely takes on the best perimeter player on the opposing team, including point guards, and helps anchor the Warriors’ defense with Draymond Green.

If he closes out the season at this rate, and Golden State wins at least 70 games, he’ll likely be named All-NBA, as well.

Next: Making History

19. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 19

Position: Shooting Guard

Slash Line: .447/.341/.846

Season Averages: 36.2 MPG, 23.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The Toronto Raptors are close to completing the greatest regular season in franchise history. Kyle Lowry deservedly receives significant credit, but this wouldn’t be possible without DeMar DeRozan’s immense improvements.

DeRozan has become a more complete and dependable player, and the Raptors have won 50 games for the first time in franchise history because of it.

DeRozan recorded 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 9-of-11 shooting during a 115-91 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He then erupted for 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals on a mark of 9-of-16 from the field during Toronto’s 50th victory.

There are still periods of inconsistency in DeRozan’s game, but he’s No. 9 in the NBA in scoring, and is No. 14 in Win Shares.

DeRozan has made the necessary tweaks to his game, and is playing a style that is far more conducive to team success. He’s picking his spots from beyond the arc, not settling for as many contested midrange jump shots, and is No. 1 in the NBA in points via drives per game.

DeRozan is finally playing at the level many have been longing to see him play at.

Next: The Value of Versatility

18. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Power Forward

Slash Line: .474/.314/.755

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 3PM

It may seem tired and cliche, but there isn’t an area of the game at which Paul Millsap is less than solid. He’s a player without a crippling weakness, and that’s played a major role in the Atlanta Hawks’ resurgent second half of the season.

Many are aware of Millsap’s offensive brilliance, but try this: he’s No. 1 in the NBA in defensive win shares.

Millsap isn’t just turning into a good defender; he’s been one of the best defensive players in the NBA. That’s directly coincided with Atlanta’s rise from being a well-rounded offensive squad into the No. 2 team in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

Atlanta’s average of 98.9 points allowed per 100 possessions makes it one of three teams in the Association that’s holding opponents below 100.

The Hawks may not have any marquee defensive players, but Millsap is pushing hard to redefine that perception. He’s also leading the offensive charge as a post scorer, 3-point shooter, midrange marksman, and facilitator, all the while providing a strong edge on the boards.

If you need evidence of Millsap’s ability to do it all, try this: over the past 10 games, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 2.0 steals in just 30.8 minutes.

Next: The 'Melo We Know

17. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 17

Position: Small Forward

Slash Line: .435/.346/.827

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 22.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 3PM

It’s been a tedious process, but Carmelo Anthony is beginning to get his explosiveness back. He may never have the second jump that made him so dangerous in his younger years, but the elevation on Anthony’s jump shot is significantly more consistent than it was earlier this season.

The team results aren’t great, but Anthony’s individual performances offer reason for intrigue.

Anthony currently leads the Knicks in points, rebounds, assists, steals, 3-point field goals made, and free throws made per game. New York is 30-38 in the 68 games New York has played, and is 0-6 during the six games it played without him present.

Neither record is ideal, but the numbers are a clear display of how well Anthony has performed individually.

Anthony’s been the selfless face of the franchise, playing at a level that should be enough for New York to make a postseason push. For perspective, New York has a net rating of minus-0.8 with Anthony on the court and minus-6.7 when he isn’t.

That’s a difference of almost 6.0 points per 100 possessions.

Next: Interior Anchor

16. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Last Rank: No. 15

Position: Center

Slash Line: .530/.333/.361

Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 16.7 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 4.9 ORPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Andre Drummond’s dominance along the interior has helped Stan Van Gundy build a postseason team. The Detroit Pistons are 40-35, have all five starters averaging at least 14.0 points per game, and are currently in possession of the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Without Drummond’s ability to control the defensive interior, take over on the offensive and defensive glass, and provide a consistent scoring output, this wouldn’t be possible.

Drummond is No. 1 in the NBA in both rebounds and offensive rebounds per game, and by quite some margin. He’s averaging 21.9 rebounds per 48 minutes, which is as absurd of a number as it seems, and has been one of the best defensive players in the NBA.

For fans of the advanced metrics, Drummond is currently No. 3 in the NBA in Defensive Win Shares and No. 6 in Defensive Rating.

Drummond is averaging a career-best 16.7 points per game, but it’s the way he’s scoring that stands out. His jab step is keeping even the highest caliber of defenders off-balance, and his post play has improved significantly since a season ago.

Drummond still has his obvious flaws, most notably his free throw shooting, but he’s anchoring a postseason push on both ends of the floor.

Next: Not Slowing Down

15. Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Last Rank: No. 14

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .428/.353/.885

Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 22.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 3PM

Many expected Isaiah Thomas to slow down after the 2016 NBA All-Star Break. The Boston Celtics began to, but behind Thomas’s unrelenting will to succeed, the Celtics have restored normalcy and secured the team’s highest win total since 2010-11.

In 13 March games, Thomas is averaging 26.2 points on a slash line of .463/.407/.872.

Thomas’ scoring exploits have bordered on elite, and that isn’t just because of volume or the now trivial nature of his size. He’s producing at a level that even the best of scorers strive for, and he’s doing so with the efficiency of a dominant force.

Thomas is also No. 13 in the NBA in both assists per game and points created via assists per contest.

Between his scoring and facilitating, Thomas is directly responsible for 37.4 points per game. Thus, it’s not hard to see why he’s No. 12 in the NBA in Win Shares, and No. 15 in Win Shares per 48 minutes.

For what it’s worth, since the beginning of 2014-15, Boston is 57-38 with Thomas, and 26-35 without him. Enough said.

Next: Shining Again

14. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 16

Position: Power Forward

Slash Line: .512/.000/.857

Season Averages: 30.5 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG

The San Antonio Spurs are playing at a dominant level, and LaMarcus Aldridge is performing like himself again. Those two developments coincide with one another, as Aldridge has begun to look like the star he became with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Between his explosive scoring exploits and improved defensive effort, Aldridge has been a force to be reckoned with since the All-Star Break.

In 20 games played since All-Star Weekend, Aldridge is averaging 20.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 52.9 percent shooting from the field. He’s done so in just 32.5 minutes of action per game, and has led San Antonio to a record of 17-3 during those outings.

Aldridge may not be producing at the same rate he did in Portland, but his combination of production and efficiency is downright unstoppable.

Aldridge has been a stabilizing force for the Spurs, perfectly complementing Kawhi Leonard offensively. He’s also playing at a high level defensively, which has helped San Antonio build the most dominant team in the league on that end of the floor.

San Antonio is No. 1 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions and Aldridge is No. 8 in Defensive Win Shares. He’s also No. 9 in overall Win Shares per 48 minutes.

Next: Holding On to No. 8

13. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 13

Position: Forward

Slash Line: .414/.372/.857

Season Averages: 35.3 MPG, 23.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Paul George and the Indiana Pacers are holding onto the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. There’s a 2.0 game cushion with eight outings remaining on the schedule, which means George and the Pacers control their own destiny.

George has been sensational, at times, but Indiana will need eight consistent games if it’s going to make the playoffs.

George has played very well during the month of March, upping his field goal and 3-point field goal percentages from December, January, and February. After going off for 45 points roughly two weeks ago, he played with a desirable level of consistency over the most recent seven days.

That includes a big 25 points and 11 rebounds on 8-of-17 shooting during a 104-101 victory against the Indiana Pacers.

George is No. 10 in the NBA in scoring average, and No. 19 in the Association in Win Shares. Indiana is pushing for the postseason, and despite his return from a severe injury, George has been more of an asset than a liability.

If any player is built to lead an upset in the first round, it’s George. Good luck to whichever team draws Indiana.

Next: Becoming Elite

12. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Last Rank: No. 12

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .424/.348/.788

Season Averages: 36.1 MPG, 19.9 PPG, 10.2 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.5 3PM

What more does John Wall have to do for the Washington Wizards to wake up? He’s posting elite numbers, has kept the postseason aspirations afloat as the roster has been ravaged by injuries, and is now awaiting the necessary aid from his teammates.

Washington is often its own worst enemy, but if any player deserves blame, Wall should be the last name on that list.

Wall’s averages of 19.9 points and 10.2 assists per game are evidence of how brilliant a playmaker he’s become. He’s No. 2 in the NBA in points created via assists per game, and is directly responsible for 44.5 points per contest.

In other words, Wall statistically produces 43.0 percent of the scoring done by the team that ranks No. 10 in the NBA in points per game.

Wall is up to 47 double-doubles on the season, which is No. 3 in the NBA and No. 2 amongst point guards behind Russell Westbrook. Wall’s four triple-doubles are tied for No. 4 in the Association.

Washington may not make the playoffs, but since December 1, Wall is averaging 20.8 points, 10.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals—genuinely elite numbers.

Next: No. 50

11. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 9

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .430/.386/.816

Season Averages: 37.3 MPG, 21.5 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 2.7 3PM

When the Toronto Raptors acquired Kyle Lowry in 2012, no one knew just how influential of a player he’d become. Long respected as a player waiting to break out in the right situation, Lowry has taken the opportunity to achieve NBA stardom in Toronto and run with it.

Behind Lowry’s leadership, the Raptors have won 50-plus games for the first time in franchise history.

Whether or not you believe that Lowry is one of the Top 10 players in the NBA, what’s undeniable is that he’s playing at a Top 10 level in 2015-16. He’s the leader of a 50-win team, has the numbers to back his claims of individual greatness, and plays up to the level of his competition.

Toronto hit an expected wall with 50 wins nearing, but Lowry helped the Raptors push through and secure this monumental mark.

Lowry’s efficiency took a massive tumble over the past week, but the Raptors are in the midst of the single greatest regular season in franchise history. Toronto is just 2.0 games back of the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and is 6.0 games ahead of the No. 3 Atlanta Hawks seed with eight outings remaining on the schedule.

Lowry clearly isn’t the only reason Toronto is thriving, but he’s the offensive catalyst, defensive ace, and ranks No. 8 in the NBA in Win Shares.

Next: Just Can't Win

10. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Last Rank: No. 11

Position: Center

Slash Line: .453/.340/.722

Season Averages: 34.5 MPG, 27.0 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Sacramento Kings are going to miss the 2016 NBA Playoffs. It’s a very disappointing result for a team that has the talent to own the No. 8 seed with DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, and Rajon Rondo, but the team failed to live up to its full potential.

This seems like something of a Kevin Love situation, but Cousins has become one of the best players in the NBA through his work on both ends of the floor—and that’s where the sympathy comes into play.

Cousins is averaging 27.0 points and 11.6 rebounds per game as a center in the modern era—unlikely numbers. He’s not necessarily elite on defense, but he’s a competitor who plays with physicality and tenacity as both a rebounder and on-ball defender.

This past week, Cousins offered the Kings with a glimpse of what could’ve been.

Sacramento won three of its four outings, with the only loss being the game Cousins didn’t play. He dropped 29 points and 11 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns, had 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists on 7-of-12 shooting against the Dallas Mavericks, and tallied 29 points, 10 boards, four assists, five steals, and four blocks against the Washington Wizards.

What more could one possibly ask of him?

Next: Doing Everything

9. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 10

Position: Shooting Guard

Slash Line: .434/.345/.865

Season Averages: 38.0 MPG, 28.6 PPG, 7.5 APG, 6.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 2.7 3PM

James Harden is doing everything in his power to help the Houston Rockets return to the NBA Playoffs. He’s flirting with a triple-double on a nightly basis, scoring at an explosive rate, facilitating the offense, crashing the boards, and even improving his effort on defense.

This past week offered some of Harden’s best work to date.

In three games played over the past seven days, Harden averaged 31.0 points, 9.7 assists, and 8.0 rebounds on 50.0 percent shooting from the field. He dropped 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds during a win over the Toronto Raptors, and had 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in a road win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During Houston’s lone loss, he tallied 34 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists on 11-of-22 shooting.

For the season, Harden is No. 2 in the NBA in scoring average and No. 6 in assists per game. Those averages of 28.6 points and 7.5 assists place the Rockets superstar in incredibly rare territory.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, only five players have averaged at least 28.0 points and 7.0 assists since Michael Jordan in 1988-89: Harden, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook.

Next: The Unlikely Success

8. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: No. 6

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .423/.379/.892

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 25.4 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 3.1 3PM

Damian Lillard has slowed down from a scoring perspective, but he continues to lead the Portland Trail Blazers’ improbable push for the postseason. He’s embracing the role of a facilitator and thriving as a decoy, thus creating openings for his teammates.

With Portland closing in on an unexpected season above .500, Lillard deserves praise for leading this improbable success story.

Lillard is No. 5 in the NBA in points per game, and No. 8 in assists per contest. Between the points he scores and creates via assists, Lillard accounts for 42.1 per outing—good for 40.3 percent of the Trail Blazers’ total scoring output.

That’s quite the number for a team that’s riding its explosive offense to its current level of success.

Portland is 39-36 with seven games remaining on the schedule, and Lillard has been the star of the show. This past week, he scored 27 points in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks, and nine assists in 29 minutes during a win against the Sacramento Kings.

Lillard has been fantastic for the Trail Blazers in 2015-16, and that cannot be overstated.

Next: Doing Everything

7. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: No. 8

Position: Power Forward

Slash Line: .486/.390/.689

Season Averages: 34.7 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 7.4 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.2 3PM

Draymond Green reentered facilitator mode this past week, and the results were as tremendous as one would expect. Green posted yet another triple-double, fueled the Golden State Warriors’ offense, and still managed to score, rebound, and defend multiple positions.

The versatility routinely displayed by the former Michigan State Spartans star is second to none.

Green began the week with 19 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals on 7-of-11 shooting during a win over the Dallas Mavericks. He then posted 13 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and three blocks against the Philadelphia 76ers, and tallied 15 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks versus the Washington Wizards.

To cap it all off, Green posted a vital 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in a close road win over the Utah Jazz.

Clearly, there are more important things than the numbers a player posts. Green is the Warriors’ primary facilitator, defensive anchor, and most consistent rebounder, however, and that versatility is the glue to Golden State’s championship aspirations.

For what it’s worth, Green’s 12 triple-doubles are the most recorded in a single season by a forward since Grant Hill had 13 in 1996-97.

Next: The Lost Luster of a Leader

6. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: No. 7

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .460/.372/.895

Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 19.5 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The fact that the Los Angeles Clippers are even in the playoffs is a testament to how brilliant a player Chris Paul is. At 20 games above .500, there aren’t enough words to accurately describe how incredible of a season CP3 has put forth in 2015-16.

Blake Griffin hasn’t played a single game since Christmas Day, and the Clippers have gone 30-14 during that time.

Since Griffin went down, Paul is averaging 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals on a slash line of .460/.376/.895. That’s over the span of 44 games played, which is a large enough sample size for the numbers to be taken at face value.

Not only is Paul performing at an All-NBA level, but if he hadn’t started the season so slowly, he’d all but certainly be in the MVP discussion.

Paul didn’t shoot very well this past week, but he continues to lead the Clippers to victory. He scored 25 big points in a win over Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers, and had 20 points, 16 assists, and eight rebounds during a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

We’re all waiting for Paul to lead Los Angeles beyond the second round of the playoffs, but he’s having an outstanding year in 2015-16.

Next: Still Stroking

5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 4

Position: Small Forward

Slash Line: .508/.389/.893

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 28.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 3PM

Kevin Durant is what happens when you make an unrealistic character in a video game. He shouldn’t be as explosive as he is at his size, nor should he move as fluidly coming off of screens, shoot with such ease, or facilitate at the level he does.

Durant isn’t looking like the dominant force he was in 2013-14, but he and the Thunder are as dangerous as they’ve ever been.

Since opening the season at 11-8, the Thunder are 41-15 with a recent eight-game winning streak. During that 54-game period, Durant is averaging 27.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 50.6 percent shooting from the field.

Many have overlooked Durant due to his injuries, but OKC is 67-27 with KD and 30-33 without him over the past two seasons.

Durant had 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in 30 minutes on 7-of-11 shooting against a Utah Jazz team that’s No. 2 in scoring defense. He then dropped 31 points on a starless San Antonio Spurs team, and had 34 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in a 119-100 blowout of the Toronto Raptors.

For what it’s worth, the one game Durant didn’t play in was an 88-82 loss to the Detroit Pistons during which OKC shot 37.8 percent from the field. Stop downplaying his obvious greatness.

Next: Star on Both Ends

4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 5

Position: Small Forward

Slash Line: .508/.458/.883

Season Averages: 32.7 MPG, 20.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.9 3PM

Kawhi Leonard is the single most dominant defensive player in the NBA. He locks down his position, anchors the efforts of a San Antonio Spurs team that’s No. 1 in defensive efficiency—by a wide margin, might I add—and is the popular choice to win a second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.

As for his Top 5 ranking, it’s half past time defense is honored as the critical aspect of the game that it so obviously is.

For those concerned with his offense, don’t be; Leonard is averaging 20.9 points on a slash line of .508/.458/.883. Some will still call him a system player, but those folks likely haven’t watched Leonard and the Spurs play during the 2015-16 NBA regular season.

Leonard isn’t a system player; he’s the player the system has been built around.

Leonard joins Stephen Curry as the only players in the NBA averaging at least 20.0 points per game on 50.0 percent shooting or better from the field, and a mark of at least 45.0 percent from 3-point range. With a minimum of 100 3-point field goals made, the all-time list of players who have done that is brief.

Before Curry and Leonard, only Dale Ellis in 1988-89 had achieved the feat. I guess Leonard’s offensive game is progressing well.

Next: Playoffs Mode

3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Rank: No. 2

Position: Small Forward

Slash Line: .510/.293/.723

Season Averages: 35.6 MPG, 25.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 3PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the process of developing an identity as a team. That’s a very troubling sign considering the Cavaliers have just eight games remaining on the regular season schedule.

It’s also a telling sign of just how influential LeBron James is to a team that’s 30 games above .500.

Over the past two seasons, the Cavaliers have gone 101-38 when James plays and 4-13 when he doesn’t. Those numbers accurately depict Cleveland as a team that’s elite when The King is active, and downright atrocious when he isn’t.

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are phenomenal talents, and Tristan Thompson is being paid like one, but Cleveland is a lottery team without James.

This past week, James scored 30 points on 13-of-16 shooting, and the Cavaliers still managed to lose to the lowly Brooklyn Nets. He responded by ripping off 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks, and a steal on 10-of-21 shooting in a seemingly effortless manner during a win over the New York Knicks.

Two players are having a better 2015-16 season than James, but there aren’t two players better than he in the NBA.

Next: First in NBA History

2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 3

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .454/.297/.811

Season Averages: 34.5 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 10.4 APG, 7.7 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Russell Westbrook is doing things that very few players in NBA history have ever done. Those who rival Westbrook’s current level of play include the likes of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson.

For those who believe there to be a hint of hyperbole in that statement, start with the fact that Westbrook has 16 triple-doubles in 2015-16—the most by any player since Johnson had 17 in 1988-89.

For what it’s worth, Johnson won MVP in 1988-89, and Los Angeles did not have the best record in the NBA—Isiah Thomas‘ Detroit Pistons did at 63-19.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Westbrook is on pace to be the first player in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. Steals were introduced as an official statistic in 1973-74, which admittedly keeps Robertson off of the list.

Having a sample size of nearly 45 years is simply impossible to label as inadequate.

Take away the steals and Westbrook would be the first player to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.5 rebounds since Johnson in 1988-89. Before Johnson and Westbrook, it hadn’t been done since Robertson achieved the statistical marks in 1965-66.

Catching Stephen Curry seems impossible, but Westbrook has quite the case to make for NBA MVP.

Next: Pole Position

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: No. 1

Position: Point Guard

Slash Line: .505/.454/.901

Season Averages: 34.0 MPG, 30.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.4 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 5.0 3PM

No matter how you may feel about Stephen Curry or his role on the Golden State Warriors, there’s no denying how dominant he’s been. The race for MVP is beginning to get interesting, but Curry remains in pole position.

Unless the 68-7 Warriors have a sudden meltdown, Curry leading Golden State to the greatest record in NBA history is bordering on inevitable.

Curry is averaging a league-best 30.0 points on a slash line of .505/.454/.901, and that alone is reason to be impressed. His combination of volume and efficiency is downright absurd, and the fact that he’s also Top 10 in assists per game only adds to the appeal.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, no player has ever averaged 30.0 points and joined the 50-40-90 club in the same season.

Between Curry redefining the standard for scoring, and Golden State closing in on the greatest record in NBA history, MVP appears all but locked up. Russell Westbrook is making quite the run at the award, but Curry has been the frontrunner for most of 2015-16.

More hoops habit: Just how well is Russell Westbrook playing?

For as far ahead as Curry’s been all season, Westbrook’s surge suggests that the final two weeks of the 2015-16 NBA regular season will be anything but meaningless in the race for MVP.