Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) interacts with a fan before a game the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Makes Bold Russell Westbrook Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 11:38 AM ET

Russell Westbrook is one of the most athletic (and competitive) point guards in NBA history.

Even at 36, he is still one of the most exciting players to watch.

On Tuesday night, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley (via the NBA on TNT ) spoke highly of the Denver Nuggets star.

Barkley: "I love me some Russell Westbrook... There's no way you can watch Russell Westbrook play and not play hard. He inspires you; he makes you want to play. Look at this effort man... What's amazing is this guy's had like 22 major surgeries and he's still the most athletic guy at his position... I admire that guy, I respect that guy... I've never seen a guy play as hard as that guy every single night. Ever."

"I love me some Russell Westbrook"

Chuck on who Westbrook reminds him of pic.twitter.com/VmiCi0G36J
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 8, 2025

Westbrook finished Tuesday's 118-106 loss to the Boston Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block while 9/18 from the field and 4/9 from the three-point range in 33 mintues of playing time.

Charles Barkley gives Russ his flowers:

"I love me some Russell Westbrook…" pic.twitter.com/3KKj5a5r1J
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) January 8, 2025

The 2017 MVP is averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 45.6% from the field and 32.5% from the three-point range in his 35 games with Denver.

Right now, the Nuggets are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 20-15 record in 35 games.

They have gone 6-4 over their last ten.

Following Boston, Westbrook and the Nuggets will play their next game on Wednesday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers in Denver.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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