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Home , Jerry Buss, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, Seattle SuperSonics, Steve Francis, Ty Lawson

The Maturation of

Khris Matthews-Marion Contributing Writer, Sports Radio America

“I think Russell’s demeanor and his aggression is what the DNA of a team should be. He’s aggressive and he’s unapologetic about the way he plays. “I believe Russell has the same mentality that I have had, which is that criticism doesn’t matter.” -- on Russell Westbrook’s development.

Oklahoma City – When he was drafted fourth overall by the Supersonics in the 2008 NBA draft, analysts struggled to come up with a player comparison for him. Marc Jackson compared him to and because of his rebounding ability; the media tabbed as the best example of what he could turn into. Still, others thought he was built in the Steve Francis mold. However, it may be the Black Mamba, in terms of intensity and eye- popping athletic ability, who may be the closest and best equivalent when looking at the future of Russell Westbrook.

Kobe Bryant is arguably the greatest player the NBA has seen in the last thirty years not named . He has been the heartbeat of LA's most historic team for almost two decades and has hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy five separate times. His comments during ESPN Grantland's Hour were revealing about the level of respect he has for a man who is walking down a similar path. His experience, success, basketball acumen and specifically his relationship with Shaquille O'Neal made him a perfect candidate to judge the maturation of man who is escaping the shadow of an established star.

The only reason Kobe won his first three championships is because of Shaq. These words rang like a shot in media circles and throughout fan bases NBA wide in the early days of 's Lakers teams. Bryant has always been respected as a dominant scorer and competitor, but it took a conflict between Kobe and then-incumbent star O'Neal, one that current NBA coach and former player Doc Rivers called the biggest travesty in sports, to force owner Jerry Buss' hand and deal O'Neal in a trade and award Bryant a seven year, $136 million contract, effectively turning the City of Angels into Kobetown, USA.

The free-agency frenzy is quickly approaching and a summer 2016 return home to D.C. Is looking more and more likely, possibly setting the scene for Westbrook to seize the City throne for himself. Durant seems to think that the talent pool in OKC is dwindling. Despite a his loyalty to the organization he grew up in, there's no guarantee that he will commit himself to another mega contract in a city with limited talent, especially when a talent-rich and playoff-ready Wizards team is only one year and a plane ticket away.

Earlier this month in New York City, Westbrook took huge strides toward wrestling control of the OKC fan base away from Durant. He dropped 41 points in 26 minutes, came within one of eclipsing the record set by for most points scored in 1962 and won the All-Star MVP in decisive fashion. LeBron James, a four-time NBA MVP and two-time All- Star MVP, noted Westbrook's rise to dominance and his value to the NBA.

"I think Westbrook came for it from the start," said James in a post-game interview. "He's an unbelievable talent in our league. His motor, his athleticism, his demeanor about how he approaches the game, it's all great. He showcased it on a big stage."

Since the All-Star break, no other than has been as dominant as the Thunder's leading man. Curry has been hampered by foot soreness but is still averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 assists and 2.rebounds per game. But since being voted All-Star Game MVP, Westbrook has caught fire, averaging 27.0 points, 11.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds. He has lead the Thunder to four straight wins and posted at least 10 assists, including 17 against , in each game.

Curry may be the front-runner for MVP this year, but Westbrook may arguably more important to his teams overall success and is riding a hot hand. Curry is part of a no longer underrated Warriors squad stacked with talented shooters and experienced veterans. Curry's quiet confidence and subtle demeanor is the antithesis of Westbrook's swagger, intoxicating confidence and media-friendly smile.

The argument can be made that Westbrook is the game's most influential and dangerous point guard. With the possible season-ending knee injury of , his third in as many years, the decline of Rajon Rondo in recent years and the non-existence of Derron Williams, Westbrook easily holds the one of the top three spots in a field that boasts Curry, and . Westbrook is second in the league in scoring (25.0 points), fifth in assists (8.0) and second in steals (2.05) and most importantly, fourth in MVP voting behind Curry, and Paul.

Westbrook's brilliance has become so unavoidable that even opposing players can't ignore it.

"If he had started at the beginning of the year, he might have already won it with the way he's playing right now," said Denver guard Ty Lawson.

Unfortunately for Westbrook, there are two factors that even his determination cannot overcome: he suffered an early season injury season and the end-of-season standings play a significant role in choosing the MVP. The last time a player won the award on a non-playoff team was Kareem Abdul- Jabbar and the Lakers 39 years ago. The Thunder aren't helping Westbrook's cause either. The average win total of NBA MVP's teams in the last 10 years has been 61 games. If the Thunder win out and finish 26-0, they will only win 57 and realistically they will most likely finish with 50 wins.

Bryant knows about winning MVPs, championships – he has five fingers full of rings – and beating doubters. If Kobe's respect for Westbrook's tenacity and drive and his confidence in the man that ESPN compared him to in 2013 are harbingers, the Russell Westbrook has more than a better's chance of pulling off an upset.

“Russell’s a unique talent too because he plays every play like it’s his last, and you don’t have a ton of guys in this league that look at the game that way,” said Bryant. “He’s a special talent too. I love the way he plays. I love his approach to the game.”

Maybe NBA fans will love Westbrook's rare, old school, winners-never-say-die attitude and intensity, too. Maybe they will love it enough to allow him to hoist a second, deserved MVP trophy this year.