Away from the excitement and attention for the upcoming NBA playoffs is an interesting question: Are these the final few weeks of historic point guard Russell Westbrook’s career? Westbrook has provided some strong play at times and veteran leadership for a disappointing Kings squad this season. While Westbrook’s future may be uncertain, one of his former teammates and rivals believes his place in history is secure.
Patrick Beverley Calls Russell Westbrook the Second-Greatest Point Guard Ever
Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley praised Westbrook and believes he’s one of the greatest players of all time. Beverley said, “To me, he’s the 2nd greatest point guard to ever play. You gotta put Steph in front of him obviously because of his skill of shooting and you know, his championship runs, and that’s the only reason. You gotta give him his flowers.”
Patrick Beverly says Russell Westbrook is the 2nd best PG of all time behind Steph Curry:
“To me he’s the 2nd greatest PG to ever play. You have to put Steph ahead of him obviously because of his shooting ability and championship runs. That’s the only reason, because of chips.… pic.twitter.com/9QvcX0fKNL
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 28, 2026
Westbrook is currently out of the lineup while dealing with toe pain, and it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever play in a Kings jersey again. At 19-55, the team is currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and looking ahead to the NBA Draft this summer.
The 2017 MVP has had a productive season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Westbrook has continued his trademark stat-stuffing play with 16 double-doubles and six triple-doubles. His current 33.8% 3-point shooting is also one of the highest marks of his career.
Beverley believes Westbrook has shown that he can still play the game at a high level and should be on an NBA roster next season. Beverley’s public support of Westbrook is something hardly anyone would have predicted 10 years ago.
He infamously collided with Westbrook during the 2013 playoffs, resulting in Westbrook suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. Years of bad blood followed, with Westbrook calling Beverley’s defensive reputation a myth at one point. However, it appears they developed a bond while playing for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.
While Westbrook’s standing as a top point guard is widely accepted, critics of Beverley’s take will point out his failure to win a championship, something that is often brought up when discussing the greatness of fellow historic point guards Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and John Stockton.
Beverley definitely snubbed Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who is still considered by many people the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson won five NBA championships and three MVP awards with the Lakers. Johnson also won three Finals MVP awards, something he has publicly stated gives an edge over Golden State Warriors icon Steph Curry, who has only been named Finals MVP once.
A Chicago native, Beverley also snubbed another Chicago native: Detroit Pistons icon Isiah Thomas. A two-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star, Thomas is also constantly mentioned as one of the very best point guards ever.
Beverley’s public support for Westbrook puts him back in the headlines and serves as a reminder of how great he’s been.
