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NBA Player Power Rankings: Russell Westbrook Pushing for MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) points down the court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) points down the court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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