Westbrook can put Thunder in rare company

Russell Westbrook brings the ball upcourt against Charlotte in April. (Photo by Sarah Phipps)If Russell Westbrook wins the NBA’s most valuable player award Monday night, it will give the Thunder two MVPs in a four-season span. Kevin Durant won in 2014.

That’s rare in NBA circles. Only twice has a franchise had multiple MVP winners in a four-season span.

In 1981, Philadelphia’s Julius Erving won the award. Two years later, the 76ers’ Moses Malone won the MVP.

In 1957, Boston’s Bob Cousy won the MVP award. The next year, the Celtics’ Bill Russell won the trophy.

Having such talent is rare. But it happens. Jerry West and Elgin Baylor with the Lakers throughout most of the ‘60s. Magic Johnson and…