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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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March 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates against Los Angeles Clippers forward Jeff Green (8) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 114-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates against Los Angeles Clippers forward Jeff Green (8) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 114-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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