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NBC’s ProBasketballTalk disrespects Rockets’ Russell Westbrook

By Anthony Duckett

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 08: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets reacts on the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center on March 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 08: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets reacts on the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center on March 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Although Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, it seems Russ has gone largely unnoticed by NBC’s ProBasketball Talk.

It’s no secret that Russell Westbrook has turned out to be a much better fit than what was initially expected when the Houston Rockets first acquired him. In fact, Russ has had a career-high in field goal percentage this season (47.4 percent), which has been one of his biggest struggles throughout his career.

Russ also has developed a reputation for heaving 3-pointers, which is also a trend he’s reversed this season. Russ is only attempting 3.8 triples per game, which are his fewest since the 2012-13 season. We’ve also seen Russ score 20+ points in 34 consecutive games, which is also a career-best.

Aside from that, Russ is having one of the best all around seasons in the league, joining only LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Russell Westbrook is one of only three players this season with 1400 points, 400 rebounds, and 370 assists.

The other two are LeBron James and Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/w0ukKRBmtj

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) April 20, 2020

What’s even better is that the Rockets have a better record and a better finish than Luka’s Mavericks, as the Rockets’ 40-24 record has lifted them to sixth in the Western Conference, whereas the Mavs 40-27 record has them in seventh place.

It should go without saying that Russ should be on the short list of MVP candidates, and we can certainly all agree that Russ is an All-NBA performer right? Unfortunately not everyone in the national media would agree with that.

NBC’s ProBasketballTalk recently had three of their basketball experts compile a list of their top-five MVP candidates, and Russ was not on any of the lists. As if this weren’t egregious enough, the All-NBA lists take the cake.

Each analyst compiled their choices for each of the three All-NBA teams, which is a list that includes six guards per person. Only one person had Russ on their list, which is a sign of major disrespect. What makes matters worse is that the only person that included Russ on their list had him on the third team, although there aren’t five guards who have had a better season than Russ.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen ProBasketballTalk slight the Rockets in their NBA awards, as they also excluded Rockets general manager off their list of Executive of the Year candidates, which is also disrespectful. But this one takes the cake, as Russ has joined an exclusive list of players this season.

Next. Why Jordan was afraid of Olajuwon and the Rockets

You’d think they would have noticed that and would have had him on each of their lists. At least they each picked Houston Rockets star James Harden on their first-team All-NBA list, while also putting him on their list of MVP candidates. But frankly, they didn’t show the Rockets much love across the board.

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