The guy who played Robin to Bron's Batman leads the Celtics to the 1 seed in his first post-Bron season *after* they lost Gordon Hayward? That's a sexy narrative. Easily digestible. There's an underdog element *and* a "they're the 1 seed" element.

So much of it has to do every year with narrative. There are years where the most valuable player and/or the best player don't necessarily win. Because a different player who was also very great and very valuable had the better narrative.

Even last year-- yes, Westbrook had statistically the best season, but it was also the fun "average a triple double" narrative. This year, he very well could average a triple double AGAIN by year's end, but despite being damn close today to the same statistical achievement* that won him the MVP last season, he's not the favorite, and most online betting markets have him pegged around sixth or seventh best odds to win.** The narrative has changed.

*- yes, I'm aware the points are down as is his outside shooting, but still-- we may have a guy average a triple double this season THAT DOESN'T FINISH TOP 3 IN MVP VOTING.

**- current odds order from what I can find: Harden heavy favorite, followed by, depending on the market, Lebron, Giannis, Durant, Irving, Kyrie, Curry, then Westbrook. Order varies place to place obviously.