Nothin' But Nets
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NBA Preseason: Ranking the Top 10 players in 2016-2017

By Tyler Dencker

Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball around Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball around Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

After falling just short of an NBA Finals berth and losing his superstar teammate, Westbrook is ready to prove that he can win on his own.

While there’s no denying that Westbrook has always been a top-five player in the league, he always seemed to be looming under the shadow of teammate Kevin Durant. Now that Durant is gone, the team is finally Westbrook’s. It’s scary to think about what he will be able to do on his own considering what he has done with a fellow superstar on the team.

Westbrook has always been known for his triple-double breakouts, but he took that to the next level last season. Over the course of the season, Westbrook had a whopping 18 triple-doubles, making him one of four players in NBA history to ever reach that number in a season (Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson). On top of it, he averaged a double-double per game (23.5 points per game and 10.4 assists per game).

Further, Westbrook was the 4th most efficient player from last season, and 2nd most efficient point guard. Again, it’s not only impressive that Westbrook can put up these numbers, but it’s even more impressive when considering he did it all with Durant playing alongside him. It seems likely that Westbrook is going to break out in record fashion this coming year.

Next: Number Three