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Russell Westbrook: 5 Reasons He’s The NBA MVP

By Evan Massey

Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Leadership

Another area that needed improvement coming into this season was Russell Westbrook’s leadership. As mentioned earlier, he seemed like a very selfish player that was simply looking to put up numbers for himself rather than his team.

Kevin Durant’s injury concerned quite a few fans and analysts because they were losing a team leader. Westbrook has stepped up and taken over that role, and has done an excellent job. He has been much more vocal in support of his teammates, and is always the first player off the bench to meet his teammates and encourage them.

Westbrook needed to take this step to finally take the step into the “elite” group of NBA players. Elite players make their teammates better around them, and being a leader like Westbrook has been this season is exactly how to do that.

It will be interesting to see how he does when Durant is back to full health and playing consistent basketball once again.

Next: 5. Carrying His Team Towards The Playoffs

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