Russell Westbrook is the all-time leader in career triple-doubles — by a margin that his closest competitor would need years to close — and he averaged triple-double statistics for four separate complete seasons, a feat that has no historical parallel at the point guard position. His 2016-17 MVP season produced averages of 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game across 81 appearances, carrying an Oklahoma City team that had lost Kevin Durant in free agency to the playoffs on the strength of individual will and statistical production that had no modern precedent.

What made Westbrook's game distinctive was the intersection of elite athleticism and an aggressive mentality that refused to accept limitation. He attacked the basket with a force of engagement that defensive schemes struggled to anticipate: he could get to the rim from 25 feet, pull up from mid-range without losing pace, and weaponize his rebounding from the guard position in ways that made him difficult to scheme against because his positioning was unpredictable.