Caption:Feb 9, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) reacts after a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Don’t Check Him, Check The Numbers: Russell Westbrook Claims The Athletic Throne

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Levi Omeke | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 8:26 AM ET

Anyone asking Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook if he wishes he were more athletic should be a punishable offense. He declared himself as the most athletic player in NBA history.

“I’m the most athletic all-time ever, don’t even question that. Better check the numbers,” Westbrook stated.

Westbrook Cemented His Status As The Ultimate Athlete

Kobe Bryant called Westbrook the most athletic player he ever played against. He was a human rocket, capable of reaching a top speed of 21.6 mph and running baseline-to-baseline in 3.36 seconds. He explodes through contact like it is nothing.

Masked Westbrook belongs in the conversation. People should look back at his first three to four years in the NBA. He was dunking everything and jumping everywhere. He had a different type of athleticism.

Westbrook is easily the most athletic PG of all time. If Derrick Rose’s knee had not exploded, this would have been a huge conversation. Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant also could challenge for that title.

There is nothing wrong with Westbrook claiming the crown for the most athletic player ever. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Vince Carter have entered the chat to talk part in this debate.

End Of My Russell Westbrook Rant

Apr 19, 2019; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Prime Westbrook was a different species. He had an explosive first step, violent dunks, and full-speed every possession. The triple-double MVP season alone is a crazy athletic statement.

Westbrook was not wrong. He was a 6’3 PG who could dunk on centers, run faster than anyone else on the court, and never ran out of energy. He has every right to make that argument.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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