Beverley: Former Kings PG Westbrook 'Had a Lot of Game Left'

After weeks of limited interest in NBA free agency, former league MVP and one-year Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook announced his retirement.

Later on, it was reported that the Kings and Washington Wizards had offers on the table to Westbrook, but ultimately he decided to leave the game on his own terms.

In his retirement announcement post, award-winning actor Michael B. Jordan narrated Westbrook walking through an art gallery, where he talked about the nine-time All Star's journey and legacy on the game.

While Westbrook will no doubt be in the Hall of Fame when eligible, this move was a surprise, especially for a player who exudes so much passion and tenacity on the court.

On Tuesday, longtime NBA player and current podcaster/Youtuber Patrick Beverley talked about Westbrook on his show.

"I'm going to be honest. I felt like he had a lot of game left," Beverley said. "I feel like he played really well last season. I think the media killed his game."

Whether it is because of his fiery demeanor or sometimes curt responses, Westbrook and the media always had a complicated relationship.

But, this never impacted how Westbrook was viewed as a teammate or player by his staff.

In late March of last season, Beverley and NBA veteran Nic Batum both had high praises for Westbrook, with Batum calling him "one of the best — if not the best — teammates" he has played with during his lengthy career.

Westbrook was always a polarizing figure, as his post-Oklahoma City Thunder tenure was filled with playoff shortcomings and frequent team changes.

His latest media altercation came with the Kings, going viral for his questioning of reporters following a loss.

After being asked about what could still be accomplished late into Sacramento's disappointing season, Westbrook responded, "You know, go out, compete. This the game, you're a professional. You go out and play and that's all you can do."

A short pause filled the room before Westbrook asked, "What y'all think, though? Y'all got a lot of answers and always be talking."

Westbrook and the media engaged in a bit of a bank-and-forth before the future Hall of Famer simply asked them to "respect what we do and we'll respect what you do."

Following this moment, rookie forward Nique Clifford said that he appreciated Westbrook for always being the team's vocal leader and praised him for showing him the ropes of how to be a professional.

Outside of playing above his pay grade, Westbrook's leadership and veteran presence was invaluable for players like Clifford and Maxime Raynaud to witness and learn from.

It likely would have been beneficial for No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. to have the same opportunity, but Westbrook's decision is a fair one.

His production should warrant an opportunity for significant minutes on a contender, but politics and perception around the league may have altered his chances.

Nevertheless, Westbrook is a one-of-a-kind talent and player that will be appreciated for years to come.