NBA veterans shower Russell Westbrook with unprecedented praise, labeling him the sport's second-greatest point guard for his leadership and unwavering competitive spirit.
The Sacramento Kings made some questionable moves this offseason, but one saving grace was signing former NBA MVP point guard Russell Westbrook to a one-year, veteran minimum deal.
Westbrook has served as a vocal leader for this young Kings (19-56) team, while also enjoying his best statistical season since 2022, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 33.8-percent shooting from 3-point range.
This week, he received some lofty praise from two NBA veterans, Nicolas Batum and Patrick Beverley.
Beverley, who currently plays for PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece, spent 12 seasons in the NBA, most recently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023-2024 season.
On Saturday, Beverley joined the Hoopin N' Hollerin podcast, calling Westbrook the "second greatest point guard to ever play." Beverley briefly played with Westbrook on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-2023 season.
"To me, [Russ is] the 2nd greatest point guard to ever play. You have to put Steph [Curry] ahead of him obviously because of his skill and shooting ability and championship runs. That’s the only reason... Because of chips," Beverley said.
Beverley went on to compliment Westbrook for his ability to stay ready despite being signed so late in the season, "giving him his flowers" for his leadership and "ability to get guys riled up."
Beverley mentioned Westbrook's fiery discussions with media throughout this season, including his most-recent viral rant, while giving him credit for constant 100-percent effort.
"His ability to compete all the time is bar-none," Beverley said. "You've never seen anything like that."
Over on "The Old Man and The Three," 17-year veteran Nicolas Batum also gave Westbrook kudos, calling him "one of the best — if not the best — teammates I've had in my career."
Batum and Westbrook teamed up on the Los Angeles Clippers for two seasons following Westbrook's tedious tenure with the Lakers.
Batum shared Beverley's sentiment about Westbrook's tenacious play style and personality.
Batum said the following about his former teammate.
" When you play against him, he won't be your friend. He doesn't want to be your friend. But as a teammate, he's the best,” Batum said. “ The best. That's exactly why I loved playing with him. Because as soon as you step on the court with him, he plays at 100,000% every night."
This has been visible in each game Westbrook has suited up this season. Despite the Kings' struggles along with his accolades and reputation, Westbrook's effort level has not wavered.
Batum talked about the luxury of having a player with that mentality and experience on your team each night.
"When you play against him, you don't necessarily notice that," Batum said. "But when you play with him, yes: it's huge to have a veteran, a leader, a former MVP — no matter the stage of his career — who brings that intensity every single night."
Sacramento's two rookies, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, have reaped the benefits of Westbrook's leadership, both enjoying standout inaugural seasons.
Following Westbrook's viral presser, both rookies talked about the huge impact he has had on their success.
"He talks with me a ton about my play, my confidence and about what comes outside of basketball in the NBA," Raynaud said. "I think he's really one of those guys that helped me flip the switch between college and the league, so I've been very appreciative."
Clifford seconded this sentiment, adding "Russ is the leader of this team. "He's been big-time. Teaching me a lot of stuff. ... Just sticking up for our team. He always shows up, has his routine, does his same thing every single day. He's a true professional."
Westbrook has proven that he can still produce on a nightly basis and has definitely earned a more lucrative deal next season.
If the Kings decide to go younger and step into a full rebuild, Westbrook will likely be looking for a new team.
However, he could also provide valuable leadership for an incoming guard prospect like Arkansas' Darius Acuff or Kansas' Darryn Peterson if Sacramento can secure a top-half selection in the draft lottery.
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