When Russell Westbrook won the NBA MVP award back in 2016-17, two major dynamics were in play. The main reason was because Russ made history by averaging a triple-double for the first time in decades. This set up the perfect loyalty storyline in the media when Westbrook carried the Thunder to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference after Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors.
Westbrook’s triple double averages have now spanned over multiple seasons. With that, the Godfather of the triple double himself, Oscar Robertson believes the nine-time All-Star and his feats are being taken for granted.
Robertson discussed his views on how he believes the media and fans have seemingly ignore Westbrook’s statistical accomplishments on the “Knuckleheads” podcast.
“I look at Westbrook, and he got triple-doubles this year, and no one even noticed it,” Robertson said. “They didn’t think it was such a big deal. … I think that’s totally unfair. I think he should have won [MVP] again. If he [averaged] a triple-double again, and he didn’t win [MVP], so then why keep stats then?”
Before being traded to the Lakers this offseason, Westbrook averaged 22.2 points, 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds per game for the Wizards, passing Robertson as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple doubles.
