Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA 2016-17 Season: Can Russell Westbrook Grab the MVP Award? Odds and Probabilities
Oklahoma City Thunder's star Russell Westbrook has plenty of opportunities to pile up statistics and challenge the MVP award, especially if the franchise can make another top four landing in the West Division. Last season, Westbrook posted an almost triple double 24 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds per game.
The NBA 2016-2017 season is expected to afford Westbrook a worry-free run since long time partner Kevin Durant signed in for the Golden State Warriors, leaving him a solo leadership with the Thunder. Westbrook was also convinced to stay with the franchise for $85.7 million in three years, thereby securing a two-year stay since the player option will never come in until the end of the second year.
Spike in stats expected
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Presumably, Westbrook's stats will spike now that he doesn't have to share the ball with Durant who held almost identical numbers during their partnership. The chance to win the MVP will also escalate to around 50 percent if the Thunder can secure wins in at least 49 games. Meaning, he has to work extra hard to maintain or improve his current game.
NBA odds shows Westbrook has 4-1 chance to win the MVP this upcoming season. Technically, the two-time NBA All-Star MVP is running second in the line of contenders since the number one spot is shared by rivals Stephen Curry and LeBron James who both are 15-4 at the odds.
Looking back at the last season, the MVP title race was fought between James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Curry. Consideration for Westbrook as a serious contender began mid-season when he barged in with unbelievable 37 points, 13.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists, these figures have dipped since but is still remaining formidable.
Compilation of points
There are several technical barometers employed when ranking players for the MVP race in any given season but the voting system usually leans heavily in points compilation. Next season is also presumed to be favorable for Westbrook since Durant is now playing with the defending MVP Steph Curry who might experience a dip in stats due to shared workload.
The biggest wall that Westbrook is facing right now is probably James since the Cavs will sport basically the same roster that dismantled Warriors' dominance in the finals. Logically, James will remain untouchable vying for his fifth MVP.
At any rate, it is logical to conclude that the MVP award is not only fought by individual contenders but with huge help from team mates as well in filing safe number of wins to continue the bid alive.
