NBA: Ranking every MVP winner in league history

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 25: James Harden, winner of the 2017-2018 MVP award, poses with his mom Monja Willis in the backstage photo room during the 2018 NBA Awards at Barker Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

13 of 36

Russell Westbrook (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TNT) /

NBA: Ranking every MVP winner in league history: 24. Russell Westbrook

Stats:

23.2 points
8.5 assists
7.4 rebounds

Accomplishments:

9 time All-Star
9 time All-NBA
2 time scoring champ
1 time MVP

It may seem unfair but the nightly triple-doubles that Russell Westbrook picks up aren’t met with a ton of respect. That’s not to say what he’s doing isn’t difficult but to basketball pundits, it isn’t exactly all that it’s cracked up to be either.

Recording triple-doubles have always been viewed as somewhat sacred, a rare event that occurs once every blue moon. But, with Westbrook picking them up daily and other NBA players getting them in their sleep, their value has dropped tremendously.

After Oscar Robertson averaged one for an entire season several decades ago, Westbrook has not only done the same but he’s done it now four times in his career. For the most part though, Westbrook’s stat line is viewed as a detriment to winning. Well, after looking at the numbers ourselves, that simply isn’t true. Westbrook has won 138 games while only losing 36 when he records a triple-double, good for 75%.

Winning a championship, no matter how hard he tries, may not be in the cards for Westbrook unless he accepts taking a backseat to several stars. But with 9 All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, three assists titles and numerous All-NBA selections, Westbrook has a first-class ticket to the Hall of Fame, regardless if he wins a ring or not.