Westbrook opens as 2-1 favorite to win 2016-2017 MVP

By Muk

With KD skipping town with his tail between his legs and leaving the Thunder organization reeling from the loss, it is now time for Russell to take complete hold of the reigns in Oklahoma City. In my opinion Russell was the clear MVP 2 seasons ago, but when the injury ridden Thunder failed to make the playoffs, he was skipped over for Steph. Russell is an absolute monster in every aspect of his game, and even MJ referred to him as "me 30 years ago". He has the killer instinct, the passing ability, the shooting and driving scoring talent, and can rebound and defend. He is a walking triple double. I cannot wait to see what he does as the true #1 on his team this season, especially now with the help of a great guard in Victor Oladipo. Right now Victor is listed as the TwoGuard for the Thunder, but I can see him and Russell running some sort of free roam guard set.
Following up Russell in the MVP odds are Steph at 4-1, the King at 5-1, followed by cowardly Kevin at 12-1 and AD at 16-1. Now while I would put my money on Russell, the other 4 players on this list can cause all sorts of damages for defenses. Who knows how the Steph & KD show will go, and who will lose touches and who will gain, so for the time being those two has a big question mark over their heads in my book. Now as for Lebron, I think we can make the argument every single year that he is the MVP both statistically, and the way he described in his interview last year after Steph was named MVP. He is a once in a generational player and to discredit any single season he has is ludicrous. Finally with Anthony Davis, I expect huge things from him this season, as he tried to rebound from an injury filled season. He is one of the greatest young talents the NBA has seen in a long time, with the ability to shoot, rebound and defend from anywhere on the court. He is a superstar in every sense of the word, and if his teammates can for once give him some help, he and the Pelicans can put together a great season.