NBA: Five Bold Predictions for the 2016-17 NBA Season
Russell Westbrook Wins The NBA MVP Award
Kevin Durant is officially gone from Oklahoma City and Russell Westbrook is the only player that remains from their 2012 NBA Finals runner-up squad that included Westbrook/Durant/James Harden/Reggie Jackson/Serge Ibaka.
Wesbrook is also the only All-Star on the OKC roster for the first time in his career.
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The Thunder brought in Victor Oladipo (via Ibaka trade with Magic) this offseason to try to add some youth back to the roster. He will be asked to play a big role from the get-go, as he is arguably one of the best three players on a team that was one win away from beating the Warriors and advancing to the NBA Finals just last year.
The departures of Durant and Ibaka don’t necessarily spell the end for Westbrook’s time in Oklahoma City or his success with the Thunder. Statistically, I see Westbrook improving on his career season he had last year, and again being in the MVP conversation.
Without Durant especially, Westbrook will have even more opportunities to run the offense and he will basically be able to shoot as much as he wants. Some may say that this could pose some problems because when he has the freedom to shoot, he often shoots too much. I would respond by saying that he will be much matured in the coming season.
Westbrook has just agreed to sign an extension with the Thunder which will keep him in OKC for at least one more season and up to three more as he reportedly agreed to a three-year, $85.7 million (two player options).
His assist numbers should be going up, his scoring should go up a few points per, and being paired with Oladipo will be exciting to say the least. With Westbrook and Oladipo in the starting lineup, the Thunder should be one of the most dangerous fastbreak teams in the NBA.
I expect Russell Westbrook to be on the short list for the MVP award throughout the season and I expect the Thunder to be at least in contention for one of the mid-to-lower playoff spots in the Western Conference.
Next: Timberwolves Back to the Playoffs