Allen Iverson names the current NBA player who reminds him most of himself mentally

Allen Iverson compares himself to Russell Westbrook

As iconic as Iverson was, Russell Westbrook’s imprint on the NBA will last forever. He was the first man since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double in a season, and Westbrook did it three years running. 

The infectious energy Westbrook has brought to the court since 2008 has been unrivalled by any of his competitors, and Iverson said it reminds him of his former self.

Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show, he explained: “I can name off a lot of guys that go hard. Russ went hard. Russ plays every game like it’s his last, you can tell.

“The energy level is always the same. There’s not a nonchalant aspect of his game. Everything is full effort. And that’s not taking away from anybody else because I love so many, the league is in great hands.”

Westbrook built a legendary career based on his passion for the game and relentless energy. That’s what allowed him to crash the glass and average double-digit rebounds for three straight seasons.

That’s also caused continual playoff disappointments. There’s no off switch for Westbrook, and that has affected his late-game decision-making in key moments. It’s also led to a difficult end to his career, which threatens to end like Iverson’s did. 

Russell Westbrook’s career could end like Allen Iverson’s

In 2022, Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN’s Get Up, “If [Russell Westbrook’s] not careful, his career could possibly end like Allen Iverson’s career did.”

Unfortunately for Westbrook, it looks like we are headed down that path. Westbrook played an important role for the Denver Nuggets last season, but after they were beaten in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets elected not to re-sign the former MVP. 

Since leaving the Thunder in 2019, Westbrook has been on five teams in six years. And now he’s in search of another roster to join. Westbrook was linked to the Sacramento Kings this summer, but he currently remains a free agent. 

Iverson’s career ended similarly. He was with four NBA teams in his final four seasons before playing his last professional season in Europe with Besiktas.

Ball-centric players who build a career with their speed and athleticism don’t age well in the NBA, and Westbrook is a classic example of that. But if he can’t find a team for the upcoming season, it would be a shame to see it end like this for a legend of the league.