2016 was an extremely hectic year for Russell Westbrook and his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Losing superstar Kevin Durant to the rival Golden State Warriors over the offseason was a huge blow to the team. Many believed it would derail the entire organization. Westbrook was expected to demand a trade or leave in free agency following this season. Instead, he signed an extension which lasts through 2019, proving his trust with the organization. Throughout this season, Westbrook is proving he does not need a superstar teammate like Durant to win. Projected to miss the playoffs before the year begun, he has single handedly carried the Thunder to a competitive position. Westbrook has done the impossible while playing with the worst roster since his rookie year in 2008.

  Averaging a triple double (double digits in three statistical categories) throughout the first thirty-five games, Westbrook could become only the second player in NBA history to average one an entire season. The feat has not been done since the 1961-62 season by the “Big O,” Oscar Robertson. A 6’8” point guard, he was the 60’s version of LeBron James. At 6’3”, Westbrook makes the accomplishment even more insane. Their statistics are almost identical: Robertson’s season averages of 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists to Westbrook’s of 30.9, 10.5 and 10.4. However, their playing styles are astronomically different. Robertson would dominate smaller guards with sheer height and strength along with his phenomenal fundamentals. Westbrook plays every possession like it is a race, consistently demonstrating his intent to drive all the way to the basket each play with breathtaking acceleration. He has registered a speed of 21.6 mph on court according to ESPN. Westbrook has even been tested with a 4 second quicker acceleration, in feet per second squared, than Olympian Usain Bolt. His athleticism with a strong body is the main reason Westbrook can snatch 10 rebounds a game while still being 4 inches shorter than the NBA average height of 6’7”. Junior Will Gamble said, “That man is a beast. He makes those guys look like kids out there.”

  Even with so much talk about his athleticism, his work on his fundamentals set him apart from everyone else. He is an above average shooter, but may be the best in the game at driving to the basket and finding a teammate.  His finishing ability forces teams to send multiple defenders his way, and if they do, Westbrook is plenty capable at finding the open player. He is at a 38.37 usage percentage, which would be second in NBA history in a single season behind none other than famed ballhog, Kobe Bryant. This is a once in a generation accomplishment NBA fans are witnessing this year. Westbrook, however, has been known to say winning is his only goal.