NBA: Mavs owner Mark Cuban says Westbrook isn’t MVP candidate

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban once again fired shots against Russell Westbrook, claiming the OKC superstar is not an MVP candidate this season. AP

With unearthly averages of 31.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.1 assists per game this season, many believe that Russell Westbrook is a shoe-in for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this year.

But if Mark Cuban is to be asked, the MVP award front runners are James Harden and LeBron James.

Despite being on track as the first player in 55 years to average a triple double, and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to its current 7th place in the Western Conference, the outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner says he doesn’t believe Westbrook is a legitimate MVP candidate.

Mark Cuban says MVP is a toss-up between James Harden and LeBron James. Where is Russell Westbrook in that mix? “He’s not.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 6, 2017

Just moments after Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters he’s in awe of the OKC superstar’s spectacular season, Cuban once again ignited the fire between the two with his controversial comments.

All-Star but no superstar

The 58-year-old’s latest statement is not the first time he threw shade at the former UCLA Bruin. During last year’s first-round playoff matchup between the Thunder and the Mavericks, Cuban boldy proclaimed that the do-it-all point guard was not a superstar.

Mark Cuban says Kevin Durant is the Thunder’s only superstar. What about Russell Westbrook? “He’s an All-Star but not a superstar.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 25, 2016

The 28-year-old Westbrook, meanwhile, is on the midst of his best season as a professional, and is widely believed by fans and pundits alike as the front runner for the MVP race, alongside Harden, James and Kahwi Leonard. Khristian Ibarrola/JB