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NBA Player Power Rankings: Damian Lillard for MVP?

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells to his name against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Thunder beat the Mavs 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells to his name against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Thunder beat the Mavs 116-103. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 4

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .461/.298/.826

Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 24.0 PPG, 10.2 APG, 7.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.2 3PM

Russell Westbrook is the next in the relatively short line of triple-double machines. While Draymond Green may lead the league in that area, Westbrook’s ability to compile statistics is something that no one in the NBA can match or, truthfully speaking, even flirt with.

The evidence: Westbrook is on pace to become the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1965-66 to average at least 24.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game.

Any time a player is mentioned in the same breath as The Big O, they’re doing something extraordinary. The fact that Westbrook is picking up 2.2 steals per game puts him in a class of his own—literally.

With the knowledge that steals weren’t recorded as an official statistic until 1973-74, Westbrook is on pace to become the first player in NBA history to average at least 24.0 points, 10.0 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.

Beyond the numbers, the 27-year-old is having the best season of his already prestigious career. He’s shooting efficiently from the field, has become selfless as a playmaker, and has committed to playing at a high level defensively.

Billy Donovan‘s influence has been immense in Oklahoma City, and no player is benefiting more from his presence than Westbrook.

Next: Regaining MVP Form?