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“Looks Like a Long Shot” - New York Knicks Not an Ideal Team For Russell Westbrook 13 May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'It Ain’t Even Close' – Russell Westbrook Gets Ultimate Compliment From Former NBA Guard

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 6:36 PM ET

Russell Westbrook has built a legendary career in the NBA. He showed his explosiveness, athleticism and eagerness to give his all every night. He is among the greatest players to ever set foot on an NBA court because of this. When it comes to the discussion of being one of the best point guards, however, the nine-time All-Star is usually ignored.

In most cases, some don’t consider him a point guard because of the way he plays. But looking at his stats, Westbrook is one of the most unselfish guards in the modern NBA. It just happens that he scores and rebounds a lot, which isn’t typical for a traditional guard.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder star is eighth in the all-time assists list with 9,925. That demonstrates his exceptional facilitation skills. Westbrook is still disregarded as one of the greatest guards of all time despite this. But not to former NBA guard Rashad McCants.

On X, McCants expressed his love for Westbrook and claimed that the former UCLA star is the greatest point guard of all time.

“No debate after a deep dive into the game of basketball… @russwest44 is the greatest POINT GUARD OF ALL TIME! And it ain’t even close!! Try me!!” McCants posted.

Don’t forget what a point guard is!!!!! He ain’t have Kareem and nem either!!! Got traded and started getting 20-20 triple doubles!!! He had 20-20-20… none of the other POINT GUARDs are capable of that!!

— Rashad McCants (@SoundbiteKing) September 15, 2025

The former Minnesota Timberwolves guard credited the way Russell Westbrook dominated the league with his triple-doubles. Through five seasons ( 2016 to 2021), Westbrook averaged triple-doubles four times and won the MVP award during that span.

“Don’t forget what a point guard is!!!!! He ain’t have Kareem and nem either!!! Got traded and started getting 20-20 triple doubles!!! He had 20-20-20… none of the other POINT GUARDs are capable of that!!”

The Celtics are linked to Russell Westbrook

Jan 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

As great as Russell Westbrook is, his on-court flaws are one of the main reasons why he hasn’t been signed this summer. He’s a veteran guard who relies heavily on his athleticism and doesn’t have a reliable outside jumper. Still, there’s an expectation that he could soon find a team that would be willing to have him as part of their second unit.

One of those teams is the Boston Celtics. The 2024 champion isn’t expected to be a threat for the 2025-26 season since they won’t be at full strength (Jayson Tatum to miss the entire season with an Achilles tear). Which is why the front office has moved on from Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Celtics can remain competitive with players like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Jaylen Brown. They could also bolster their second unit by adding Westbrook. Fox Sports linked the veteran guard to the Eastern Conference team for a chance to give their bench unit a boost.

“At the same time, Westbrook could be himself on the Celtics, coming off the bench as the second unit’s leading scorer.”

However, the Celtics have not shown interest in potentially signing Westbrook.

Nov 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second half against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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