1. Russell Westbrook, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
The basic question we have to ask here is whether Westbrook has been the most valuable to his team through the supposed first half of the NBA season. With the Thunder boasting a 30-23 record and in the seventh spot in the Western Conference Playoff race, the answer has to be an undeniable yes.
Sure Oklahoma City likely won’t be competing for an NBA title when the playoffs come calling. That’s not the point. Westbrook has his team playing competitive basketball mere months after it lost former MVP Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors in free agency.
He’s doing so with an Orlando Magic castoff in Victor Oladipo helping lead the way in the backcourt. He’s also doing so with a rookie in Domantas Sabonis playing a substantial role after he was acquired with Oladipo in the Serge Ibaka trade. This is all taking place within the parameters of a Western Conference that remains top heavy.
From a statistical perspective, Westbrook is doing something we haven’t seen in the NBA since the Oscar Robertson days. He’s legitimately averaging a triple-double at 30.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. In fact, Russ has put up 24 triple-doubles on the season. To put this into perspective, LeBron James has 36 in his entire career. That alone should place Westbrook No. 1 on this list.