Former Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers teammates Paul George and Russell Westbrook are two players who’ve faced relentless criticism over the years. Despite playing in the league for more than a decade, their lack of a championship remains a constant topic.
One person who wasn’t afraid to speak out against that noise is their former teammate, Raymond Felton. The veteran guard didn’t hold back when blasting critics for their harsh takes on George and Westbrook.
Raymond Felton Slams ‘Clowns’ for Heavy Criticism of Russell Westbrook and Paul George
On the latest episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” Felton called out those who question the duo’s work ethic.
“You got these clowns out here who got so much to say about P or Russ. I know the hard work Russ and PG put in,” Felton said.
Felton played with both stars in Oklahoma City. “People think it’s just all sweet, and it’s not,” he added. “These dudes really work. These dudes are major superstars in this league, in the world — can’t go nowhere without security. People don’t understand that, but these guys really put in that type of work.”
Westbrook, a former MVP and nine-time NBA All-Star, has often been the media’s punching bag, especially after mistakes on the court. His time with the Los Angeles Lakers was rocky, as the outspoken guard found himself under constant scrutiny.
As of now, the veteran is on a two-year, $6.7 million deal with the Denver Nuggets and holds a $3.4 million player option for next season. While he has confirmed he’ll return for Year 18, it’s unclear if he’ll stay in Denver for the 2025-2026 campaign.
George, meanwhile, had a tough first season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Injuries limited him to just 41 games, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. The Sixers finished with a 24-58 record, placing 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Earlier, former Sixers guard Patrick Beverley questioned George’s Hall of Fame credentials. On his show, “The Pat Bev Show,” Beverley tossed in a backhanded comparison.
“People say Paul George, right,” Beverley said. “You hear a lot of people say yes, he is. And I’m looking at it like, well, if he’s a Hall of Famer, [Jackson] for sure a Hall of Famer. Lou Will is for sure a Hall of Famer. I’m trying to see, like, what’s the stipulations.”
What’s the criteria for someone to be a ‘Hall Of Famer’ 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nySCpSCxlR
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) June 5, 2025
All eyes will be on George and Westbrook next season. Felton may have said his piece, but it’s unlikely the criticism will die down anytime soon.