PHOENIX -- Suns coach Earl Watson, who looks at Russell Westbrook "like a little brother," believes the perception of the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar's personality is the only reason there is an MVP debate.
In Watson's opinion, there is no doubt that Westbrook deserves the honor, despite the production of Houston Rockets point guard James Harden.
"We talk about just skill," Watson said before Friday's 120-99 win over the Thunder. "This is not a popularity contest. We talk about skill and what he's done for the game. To me, it's not a question."
Westbrook had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists Friday and clinched a triple-double average for the season, joining Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to pull off the feat. His season averages sit at 31.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists.
Westbrook fell two assists shy of a record-breaking 42nd triple-double for the season.
Westbrook has a reputation for being occasionally difficult with the media, sometimes responding to questions with curt answers. Watson contends that the media occasionally plays a confrontational role with Westbrook, asking questions to "get a certain reaction."
Watson, a fellow UCLA alum who has known Westbrook since the Thunder point guard was a college freshman, is concerned that aspect could cost Westbrook the MVP, which is voted on by media members.
"Because he puts so much into it physically, he goes to a place mentally that a lot of people and a lot of players cannot understand," said Watson, who was Westbrook's teammate during the superstar's rookie season. "He has to be that way to be as impactful as he is and do what he does, and he doesn't get enough time to come down. But if you let him come down and have a conversation with him, he is really special and will be with the biggest smile that ever exists. But unfortunately, the clips that are played in interviews are not that Russ.
"I just think he's the MVP. I think if reporters and fans and most of the media saw the other side, I think it would be without question. So I don't think it's his skill that's up for debate. I think it's how people perceive him, which is why we still have a debate, because to me, there's no debate."