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The Schmooze

Mark Cuban Refuses To Acknowledge that Russell Westbrook is a ‘Superstar’

Russell Westbrook is having a historic season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s still not enough for Mark Cuban.

The outspoken billionaire has been a frequent critic of the 28-year-old, and he controversially claimed that the point guard is “not a superstar” during last season’s NBA playoffs

This season, Westbrook is averaging 31 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists through 24 games. He leads the league in scoring and is on pace to be the first player to average a triple-double – double-digit totals in three different categories – since Oscar Robinson did so in the 1961-62 season.

The Dallas Mavericks owner admitted that the diminutive Westbrook “is putting up superstar numbers,” but refused to back down. “I’m not taking anything away from what he’s been able to accomplish, but I’m not going to change my definition,” Cuban told ESPN.

The Thunder are 15-9 this season, and Westbrook is widely considered a frontrunner for this season’s MVP award. Fortunately for him, Cuban does not have a vote.

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