Fansided

The most important player on each and every NBA team this season

By Ti Windisch

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 04: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts to a call during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 04: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts to a call during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder — Russell Westbrook

The Oklahoma City Thunder at one point had Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kevin Durant on the roster at the same time. Losing two of those players over a few years was obviously tough for Thunder fans, but there is a silver lining in Oklahoma City’s turmoil.

The state of Oklahoma has banded around Westbrook and supported him with ferocity since KD left for Golden State. He, in turn, has brought OKC an MVP season, back-to-back seasons of averaging a triple-double, and Westbrook also helped to convince Paul George to stick around.

The Thunder got bounced in the first round by a surging Utah Jazz team last postseason, but with Andre Roberson healthy again they will look to compete with just about any team in the East. All of that traces back to Westbrook.

His style of play may not be for everyone, especially those who are fans of pass-heavy offenses, but Westbrook’s impact is undeniable. Russ is a franchise-altering player, and one who has embraced a market that doesn’t get a lot of love. If Westbrook had left town as well, the Thunder would have nothing.

Instead, Oklahoma City will be home to a perennial playoff team that just might be able to make a run towards a title once again. All of that is because of Westbrook, who is absolutely the most important member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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