I think it is not usual for a player to win MVP on a team with a record as bad as the Thunder have, but it is also not usual to do what Russ is doing.
I just looked it up on bball reference and no one has even had a usage rate of 40% before this season. Kobe was the closest with 38.74%.
I know everyone will hate me for it, but I think Russ should be MVP even over Bron. LBJ is the best player without a doubt, but what Russ is doing is special and I really think he should be rewarded for it.
I totally agree with this. I have Russ at 1, Harden at 2, LBJ at 3, and Kawhi at 4. I really think all of them have legitimate cases to win the MVP, and won't be irritated/upset with whoever wins it.
Let me pose it like this, though. OKC is playing
really well right now, but they also have a tough schedule the rest of the way, including games against Warriors (we need a game thread!), Spurs, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Nuggets, as well as a four game road trip. If they can find a way to go 10-3 over the next thirteen games - something that will be
very difficult - and get the five seed, I think a Westbrook MVP would be very likely. That would mean over their last eighteen games the Thunder would have been 15-3, Russ still averaging his same usage percentage and triple-doubles, and a fifty win season, I frankly don't know how you could deny him the award.
Either way, this has been an incredible season. On top of his already great career, this is one of those years that can get you into the HoF after you retire. It's been so much fun to watch him play, and that says nothing of Harden, LeBron, Kawhi, and others who are also having amazing seasons.