NBA Player Power Rankings: The Marathon For MVP Begins

Nov 9, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket while guarded by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. The rockets won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point Guard
Age: 27 (11/12/1988)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .419/346/.798
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.9 MPG, 31.1 PPG, 9.5 APG, 8.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 3PM

Now in his ninth NBA season, Russell Westbrook has been given the opportunity to prove he can be a true No. 1 player. He’s responded tremendously, thus far, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a record of 6-2 through eight games.

With averages in the range of a triple-double and a seemingly improved jump shot, Westbrook is putting the league on notice early in 2016-17.

Westbrook, who has recorded 29 triple-doubles over the past two seasons, is already off to a hot start in that regard. He tallied an indescribable 51 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in just the second game of the season.

One game later, Westbrook went off for 36 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds on 11-of-21 shooting against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Westbrook may or may not reach or exceed the 18 triple-doubles that he tallied in 2015-16. He’s leading Oklahoma City to victory against high-quality teams, however, and that’s far more important than the statistics.

Westbrook already has an All-NBA First Team nod and four All-Second Team selections at the age of 27. He’s already on his way to a sixth All-NBA appearance in 2016-17.