'How Many First-Ballot Hall Of Famers Were On Five Teams In Six Seasons?': Russell Westbrook’s HOF Credentials Questioned Heavily By Skip Bayless

“How many first-ballot Hall of Famers were on five teams on six seasons?,” Bayless said. “That’s because he led the NBA in turnovers four times and he was second four times. He’s a career 30.5 percent three-point shooter, as a point guard. That’s because Russell Westrook has been under 70 percent from the free-throw line in six of the last seven years.”

Moreover, Bayless did acknowledge Westbrook’s historic numbers, especially during his prime, but also noted the superstar point guard’s “egomaniacal” behavior that came at the expense of winning games.

“He averaged triple-doubles because nobody in the NBA has played harder…than Russell Westbrook,” Bayless added. 

“But he’s also as egomaniacal as any player ever. Always driven more to stat and star than to make winning plays. Russell Westbrook has always played exceptionally hard without conscience, without remorse, without memory, without perspective. He’s played hard for Russ.”

Russell Westbrook’s Future with Denver Uncertain

Russell Westbrook’s postseason run with the Denver Nuggets ended after a decisive 95-123 loss against Oklahoma last Sunday. The Nuggets’ turmoil, continuing their semifinal misfortunes from the previous season, cast uncertainty over Westbrook’s future with the team.

After the match, Denver Gazette’s Vinny Benedetto got an insight from Westbrook on his $3.4 million player option for the next season. Here’s what Benedetto reported in X/Twitter:

“Tried to get Russell Westbrook in the locker room to see he had made a decision on his player option for next season. He looked at his watch and asked what I was wearing tomorrow. When I said I didn’t know, he said “exactly” and walked off,” Benedetto posted.

It’s clear that Russell Westbrook is now deeply thinking about whether he’ll team up with the Nuggets for one more shot at the trophy.