How does Timberwolves’ Big 3 rank in Northwest Division?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JULY 12:  Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks to fans and media during a media event on July 12, 2017 at the Jones Assembly Hall in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Steven Adams

The Oklahoma City Thunder get the nod as my top Northwest Big Three for two reasons: Paul George and the reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook showed last year that he can be a force whenever needed. Being the first player in the NBA since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double is no small feat, of course. While some say he might just be stat-stuffing and it doesn’t really help his team win, well, he did it and it is an amazing achievement.

One supposed knock on Russ is that he can’t play with other stars. When Kevin Durant and James Harden were in town, his aggressive, ball-dominant play style made it tough for all three to coexist. Yes, they did make it to the Finals one year, but with that kind of talent, making the Finals is expected. Chemistry wins titles, and OKC seemingly didn’t have enough of it.

In comes Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, an almost perfect running mate for a player of Westbrook’s playing style and personality. A superstar, but a superstar who will not try to overstep Russ and just let him do what he does while adding his own numbers along with it.

Both have the ability to single-handedly take over games while feeding off of each other. My belief is that Westbrook will realize that stats are much less important than winning games and having stuff left in the tank in the postseason.  

While Steven Adams is no throw-away player, I could have put basically anyone in the third spot and OKC still would be number one due to Westbrook and George.

Next: 5 keys for the Wolves to clinch a top-3 playoff seed

It’s anyone’s guess what happens with George beyond the 2017-18 season, but it may not even take him leaving in free agency for the Timberwolves’ Big Three to overtake OKC’s. Towns and Butler are no joke, and if Wiggins improves defensively, look out Northwest Division NBA.