NBA 2016-17 MVP Predictions: Russell Westbrook Heavily Favored Over LeBron James, Stephen Curry & Kevin Durant; Will Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard Live up to Expectations?
As the 2016-17 NBA season draws nearer, more and more people are rooting for Russell Westbrook to become the Most Valuable Player. The 27-year-old point guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder has outranked LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in the latest MVP betting odds.
The Early Favorite
The latest odds of popular online gambling site Bovada crowned Westbrook as the heavy favorite of Vegas for the MVP award in the next season. The Thunder point guard was behind Curry and James in the MVP odds early this month, solely took the top spot with 2/1. The last season's NBA MVP Curry and Finals MVP James continue to trail behind Westbrook. The star player of the Golden State Warriors is listed at 4/1 odds while the Cleveland Cavalier's superstar is at 5/1.
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Moreover, Durant, Westbrook's former teammate who will be playing for the Warriors in the upcoming season, settled in the fourth spot with 12/1 odds. Anthony Davis of New Orleans Pelicans, Kawhi Leonard of San Antonio Spurs and James Harden of Houston Rockets were also among the potential MVPs who were all listed at 16/1.
Not A Surprise
Erik Horne of The Oklahoman wrote that it is not anymore surprising why Westbrook is the early frontrunner for the MVP honors next season. He explained that the five-time NBA All-Star has been consistently included in the top four of the MVP voting in the past two seasons.
Horne added that Westbrook was also the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2015 and 2016. Last season, the established NBA star averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists.
Aside from the MVP odds, Westbrook was also an early favorite of sports analysts and enthusiasts. The Thunder point guard was picked by the ESPN forecast panel as the second NBA player who will most likely earn the honors, while SB Nation put him at the top spot.
Will Westbrook Live up to Expectations?
Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports commented that if Westbrook will actually win the MVP award, it would mean that the Thunder is among the best in the NBA league. He said that it would be difficult considering that the Warriors, Cavaliers, Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers have strong rosters in the upcoming season.
However, according to Josh Planos of The Washington Post, Westbrook could actually edge out superstars like Curry and James for the MVP honors. He explained that after Durant left the Thunder, Westbrook will have more autonomy next season, giving him more opportunities to rake points and become the MVP.
