Oscar Robertson has an unpopular opinion about Russell Westbrook’s 2021/22 NBA season. After a rough start to the campaign, the talented point guard found his touch in Washington, leading the Wizards to the playoff alongside Bradley Beal.
Russ felt himself once again in Washington, constantly recording triple-doubles, tying and breaking Oscar Robertson’s all-time record. Brodie posted his 182nd career triple-double, surpassing Robertson and confirming he’s a future Hall of Famer.
These performances earned him much recognition again, but The Big O believes Russ is still underrated in the league. According to the Milwaukee Bucks legend, Westbrook deserved more than he received. More specifically, Robertson made a case for Russ as the rightful 2021 NBA MVP.
“They didn’t notice, they didn’t think it was such a big deal…I think that’s totally unfair. I think he should have won it (MVP award) again,” Robertson said of Russ in a recent episode of The Players’ Tribune’s Knuckleheads.
Knowing that the Wizards needed the play-in tournament to make it to the postseason, this might sound like a bold claim. However, Stephen Curry didn’t make it to the big party and finished 3rd on the MVP ballot.
Then again, Russ had Bradley Beal in the weak Eastern Conference. At the same time, Curry single-handedly carried his Warriors to the play-in tournament. They lost two thrillers against the Lakers and Memphis, getting eliminated from the playoff.
Still, regardless of how high Robertson is on Westbrook, the 2017 MVP didn’t deserve to win the award last season. He did incredible stuff in his lone season with the Wizards, but not as good as Oscar insists on seeing them.
