Here’s a long list of people who think Russell Westbrook should win MVP

Russell Westbrook is having one of the greatest seasons the NBA has seen in more than 60 years. He’s one triple-double shy of setting the record for most in a single season. He’s six assists away from averaging a triple-double for a season, something only Oscar Robertson has done. And he’s a near lock to join Robertson and Tiny Archibald as the only players to average 30 points and 10 assists for a season.

It’s actually ridiculous what this man is doing.

Yet somehow, Westbrook’s MVP candidacy isn’t a foregone conclusion. There’s a guy over in Houston enjoying an equally fruitful season. There’s another guy down in San Antonio who’s led the Spurs to the West’s second-best record. There’s a walking goat over in Cleveland who somehow manages to stay in the MVP conversation every year.

And there’s a horde of MVP voters scrutinizing every little thing Westbrook does wrong instead of appreciating the things he does incredibly well.

Still, the outpour of public support for Westbrook to take home the trophy has been incredible. Players, coaches, owners, entertainers, and fans alike all agree: Westbrook is doing something we’ve never seen before.

“I think it’s Westbrook. That’s what I really think,” Robertson told ESPN’s Andy Katz. “Because years ago it was tough to win an MVP because it was based on winning championships, and [Bill] Russell with the Celtics -- they dominated. But one year, Wilt [Chamberlain] averaged 50 points a game and 29 rebounds and me a triple-double, but Bill won because his team advanced and we did not.

“It’s changed now. A lot of people understand what an MVP means. They understand basketball better than they did years ago.”

“You get to a guy like Russ averaging 30 with a triple double and willing his team to the position they’re in now,” Lillard said via ESPN. “But if I had to say, I would agree with Kobe and say maybe co-MVPs between James and Russ.

“If I had to say one guy, I would have to go with Russ because that dude, you’re leaving it all out there every time. I think he deserves it.”

“Russ. When you’re doing something in this day and age, that we’ve never thought we would see ever again; as great as Kawhi is, as great as LeBron is, as great as James Harden is, as great as Isaiah is playing, what Russ is doing is incredible. You’ve got to take your hat off to him for what he’s doing. And taking nothing away from his team, when it comes to the word ‘superstar,’ he’s not playing with superstars. He’s playing with very talented players — he’s got a squad with him, I love his team — but him being the only superstar, and that team going as he goes, he have to recognize that. Get your popcorn before the game starts if your watching a Russell Westbrook.”

In January on First Take

“I’m gonna have to go with Russell Westbrook. A lot of triple doubles. He’s doing it by himself. And believe it or not, he’s playing the right way,” O’Neal said. “A couple of years ago, everyone felt Russell’s a little too selfish. ... Now, he’s making great passes, making great plays, leading his team, and doing it by himself.”

In March on Inside the NBA:

Few, if any, of these guys actually hold an MVP vote this year, though. And even if the overwhelming majority of fans feel Westbrook should win the award this season, it’s out of their hands. Just like it’s out of Westbrook’s, regardless of whether he averages a triple-double or not.