Two veteran point guards remain on the free agent market, but former NBA champion Iman Shumpert knows which one he’d choose. The 10-year veteran didn’t hesitate when asked to pick between Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, citing efficiency as the deciding factor that separates the two at this stage of their careers.
Why Did Iman Shumpert Choose Russell Westbrook Over Chris Paul?
NBA free agency continues to heat up, with several veterans still available as teams look to add key pieces for deep playoff runs. Two of those players, point guards Westbrook and Paul, are being pursued heavily by multiple franchises. However, former NBA veteran and champion Shumpert asserted that given the choice between the two, he’d select Westbrook.
“CP don’t hate me give me Russell Westbrook. When you talk about somebody that will give themselves up and do whatever for the team, I think that he’s a little more suited for that position than a Chris Paul would be. I don’t think CP can play as efficient as Russ could” – Shump pic.twitter.com/GIbUOy0wCd
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 17, 2025
Shumpert made his case during ESPN’s NBA Today episode that aired Thursday (July 17). Host Malika Andrews posed the question to the entire panel, which also included senior ESPN writer Tim McMahon and analyst Bobby Marks. Andrews asked, “Who has more to offer a team right now, Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook?”
“CP, don’t hate me, give me Russell Westbrook,” Shumpert began in a pained tone. “Don’t kill me, Russell Westbrook. Russell Westbrook is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever had to play against. When you talk about somebody that will give themselves up and do whatever for the team, I think that he’s a little more suited for that position than a Chris Paul would be.”
The reasoning behind Shumpert’s choice centered on adaptability. Paul is coming off a season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played all 82 games and averaged 8.8 points to go with 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 40-year-old has strongly hinted that the 2025-26 season would be his last in the NBA. Meanwhile, Westbrook spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Denver Nuggets, logging 13.3 points per game along with 6.4 assists in over 27 minutes each game.
What Makes Westbrook More Flexible Than Paul?
Shumpert’s analysis went deeper into the stylistic differences between the two future Hall of Famers. “Chris Paul has pretty much been dominant with the ball the whole time. That’s the way you want him to play, and I think that’s the only way he can [play]. I don’t think CP can play as efficient as Russell Westbrook could,” the former champion explained.
This perspective carries weight given Shumpert’s history with Westbrook. The 10-year veteran was once teammates with Westbrook, playing for the Houston Rockets during Westbrook’s lone season with the team in 2019. That firsthand experience gives Shumpert unique insight into how Westbrook adapts his game to fit different team needs.
As the free agency period continues, both veterans remain attractive options for contending teams. Paul has been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers, even after the team agreed to a contract with former Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal following his contract buyout. The 12-time All-Star’s family still resides in the area, making it a fitting destination if he’s intent on retiring after one more season.
As for Westbrook, he has been linked to multiple teams, most recently the Sacramento Kings as reported by Sports Illustrated.
