2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
There’s certainly an argument for slotting Westbrook first, but the reigning MVP’s lack of defensive hustle and occasional efficiency issues will keep him in the No. 2 spot. He did average a triple-double, though, which in and of itself makes him one of the more historically productive players we’ll see in this generation.
Even with the league’s highest usage rate and an offense that almost always boiled down to Russ making a play, it’s tough to fathom any point guard averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. That’s without mentioning a career-high 34.3 percent clip from deep.
Westbrook’s athleticism lays the groundwork for just about everything he does. He bullies his way through contact around the rim, while his explosiveness allows him to get by defenders in almost any scenario. He’s able to leverage that explosiveness to his advantage as a playmaker as well, drawing in defenders before making a dish on the move.
Paul George and Carmelo Anthony may knock his statistical output down a bit, but another historic — and perhaps MVP-caliber — season seems likely for the OKC bell cow.