Russell Westbrook ‘You, the real MVP’

Fans share their thoughts on the matter:

Poll 1:

Noting my earlier admission to having a vested interest in Westbrook earning the MVP and equaling Robertson’s season I decided to gauge fans’ perspectives. I ran three Twitter polls and here are your responses:

Though many have speculated the focus on Westbrook is based entirely on his triple-double production that is not where the majority of votes fell. Rather, fans are more impressed by Westbrook keeping OKC relevant and his MVP type season.

Poll 2:

Next, I asked who should win the MVP.

Although an argument can be made the response to this poll came solely from OKC Thunder fans it’s unlikely to be a fair assessment. This poll was sent out via my personal Twitter account, so it’s more likely a greater number of Raptors and overall NBA fans voted (given the fact I live in The 6ix)

Poll 3:

The final Twitter poll queried what fans would remember most about this season in 20 years.

As you can see Westbrook’s triple-double average was the definitive winner.

Closing:

As a child, I recall stories my Grandfather shared with me. I attribute much of my own early interest in sports to his passionate storytelling. And perhaps that is the driving force behind my overwhelming belief in Westbrook.

That said, I’m also a firm believer in trusting your instincts, so my gut feeling Westbrook would average a triple-double and win MVP in my preseason selections remains at the front of my brain. Some might say, I’m just too stubborn to believe otherwise.

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• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

But, here’s the thing, fate can be a funny thing. Up until this season, Westbrook took the majority of blame whenever the team was questioned for its shortcomings or failures.  He repeatedly adapted his game and bore the brunt of the pressure while Durant would skate by unscathed and unquestioned.

Ultimately, the story Nick Collison reiterated from that fateful dinner, one week prior to KD’s decision has stuck with me all season. Westbrook asking “Can I do something to help you be better?

What more can I do? and Durant responding with “No, nothing.” Whether Durant had decided prior to this dinner or not, will probably never be truly known.

Nor would most fans have predicted it would be Westbrook, not Durant who would re-sign demonstrating his loyalty.

At the end of the day. regardless of how pundits vote, there is one thing I know for sure )whether it’s made official or not) — Russell Westbrook – You, the real MVP!