After Russell Westbrook grew to become the all-time chief in triple-doubles, the longer term Corridor of Famer was showered with reward. A uncommon break from the standard poisonous conversations that revolve across the polarizing multi-time All-Star.
Westbrook had one of many highest peaks in league historical past. He was a dominant power within the 2010s and rivaled Chris Paul and Stephen Curry for finest level guard of his era. Co-lead a title contender within the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder helped his case.
After Kevin Durant left OKC in 2016, his particular person success solely skyrocketed for Westbrook. He received the 2017 MVP award and have become the primary participant since Oscar Robertson to common a triple-double over a whole season. He did it for 3 consecutive years and 4 occasions in whole.
The 36-year-old is within the twilight of his profession. He’s now a bench participant for the Denver Nuggets. Along with his story nearly over, sufficient time has handed to find out the place Westbrook ranks among the many finest guards within the league.
In a poetic sense, Patrick Beverley defended his all-time standing. From the Joker to his Batman, the NBA sidekick will perpetually be linked to Westbrook for all of the fallacious causes. He turned his profession round when he controversially tore his meniscus throughout the 2013 NBA playoffs. It is truthful to say that price OKC their finest probability at profitable a championship and Westbrook subsequently suffered a number of knee operations.
Each had been teammates briefly throughout the 2022-23 season. Los Angeles Lakers. It appeared like our time collectively had mended some limitations. Beverley just lately went to bat for Westbrook on his podcast as one of many best level guards of all time.
“I feel we have to discuss it. Level guard place. We go by ability, we go by expertise, we go by numbers. It is a person reward,” Beverley mentioned. “You must contemplate him the best level guard to ever play the sport.”
Beverley defined how surreal it was for Westbrook to show right into a triple-double machine. The kind of numbers he constantly produced on playoff groups hadn’t been seen in a long time.
“Averaging a triple-double for nearly 2.5 years. No one even talks about (Oscar Robertson),” Beverley mentioned. “I feel it is as a result of he is Russell Westbrook. I feel he is on my Mount Rushmore for level guards. He must be. 200 triple-doubles for a degree guard. It should be very tough for a participant to attain this.”
Westbrook will perpetually spark arguments. The excellent athletic scorer’s type of play causes large divisions. Heated arguments will at all times be concerned with him, however there isn’t any denying his all-time standing.
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Patrick Beverley defends Russell Westbrook’s all-time main man standing
