4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Rank: No. 4
Position: Point Guard
Age: 27
Slash Line: .461/.301/.826
Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 24.3 PPG, 10.3 APG, 7.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.2 3PM
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been struggling to close out games, as of late, and that must be acknowledged. The truth is, the combination of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook is undoubtedly the best 1-2 punch in the NBA today.
Westbrook’s progress as a facilitator is a major reason for that ringing true.
Westbrook is scoring and distributing at elite levels, ranking in the Top 5 in assists and the Top 10 in points per game. He’s also the No. 1 player in the NBA in steals per game, has dominated the glass from the point guard position, and has developed into a more efficient scorer.
If Westbrook maintains his current pace, he’ll make NBA history.
Westbrook is set to become the first player since Chris Paul in 2008-09 to record at least 20.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Adding his scoring average of 24.3 points to the mix puts him on pace to be the highest since Michael Adams in 1990-91.
Per Basketball-Reference.com, Westbrook is on pace to be the first player to ever average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 assists, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.
Next: No. 3