Russell Westbrook is one of the most intense players in the NBA today. The former 2017 MVP has made it a habit to break records on a consistent basis, especially with his knack for notching triple-doubles.
Westbrook is a tenured NBA veteran, entering the league in 2008, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder. The point guard had a solid run at UCLA, and one of the most commendable facets of his game was his commitment.
Regardless of the score or the situation, Westbrook never seems to give up. He always puts his best foot forward and plays the best basketball that he possibly can. One of the biggest criticisms surrounding Westbrook is his inability to play winning team basketball.
But Charles Barkley believes that Westbrook isn’t appreciated for the effort he puts in. In an interview from the past (3rd slide), Barkley noted that Westbrook is the only player he has ever seen who puts in the kind of effort he does. And even Michael Jordan didn’t play as hard as Russell Westbrook does on a nightly basis.
“If you don’t respect and admire Russell Westbrook there’s something wrong with you. I’ve never seen a player give maximum effort every single night like him. Even Jordan didn’t play as hard as Russell Westbrook does. And Michael is the greatest of all time. But this guy gives maximum effort every single play every single night.”
No one can ever deny that Westbrook doesn’t give his all to the team that he is playing for. His consistent level of play has allowed him to average a triple-double consistently for the last few seasons.
Now that Westbrook is with the Lakers, his first genuine contender team since 2016, his effort levels will only go up. He will form a dominant trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. So Westbrook will find even more motivation to give everything he can to his team.
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