Dec 23, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) controls the ball against Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

NBA Star Ben Simmons Makes Bold Russell Westbrook Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jan 27, 2025 7:17 PM ET

Russell Westbrook is one of the most exciting players in NBA history.

The 2017 MVP is known for a lot of elite attributes, including his passing.

Recently, Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons made a bold statement about Westbrook (via The Young Man and The Three, h/t @TheWestbrookEra).

Simmons: "I just think he sees the game differently. When you know somebody can pass the ball well, there's a certain arch to the pass. Just the way they see the game is different."

Westbrook is in his first season playing for the Nuggets.

While he is no longer a superstar, the future Hall of Famer is averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 47.3% from the field and 34.0% from the three-point range in 45 games.

Via StatMamba on December 30: "Russell Westbrook is the 2nd player in NBA history to record a triple-double with no misses and no turnovers."

Russell Westbrook is the 2nd player in NBA history to record a triple-double with no misses and no turnovers. pic.twitter.com/WbM4cODJxT
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) December 31, 2024

Simmons is also one of the best passers in the league.

He was once among the most talented young stars in the league when he made three NBA All-Star Games in four years with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 28-year-old is currently averaging 6.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per contest while shooting 55.5% from the field in 30 games.

Via StatMuse on January 15: "Ben Simmons tonight:

11 AST
9 REB
5 PTS

Nets are 3-1 when Simmons has a 5/5/10 game."

Ben Simmons tonight:

11 AST
9 REB
5 PTS

Nets are 3-1 when Simmons has a 5/5/10 game. pic.twitter.com/7EfTCHp3lx
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 15, 2025