Patrick Beverley, once a rival of Russell Westbrook, has emerged as one of his most vocal supporters. On the latest episode of the Pat Bev Show, Beverley made a striking statement about his former teammate, declaring Westbrook as the second-greatest point guard ever, just behind Steph Curry due to Curry's shooting prowess and championship success.
Westbrook may not often be ranked that high, but his resume speaks volumes. With one MVP award, two scoring titles, and three assists titles, Westbrook's achievements are undeniable.
He’s been selected for nine All-Star games and nine All-NBA teams. Recently, he climbed to fifth on the all-time assists list and holds the record for the most points and rebounds by a point guard in NBA history.
Not to mention, he's the league's all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of only three players to average a triple-double for a season.
However, Beverley's ranking of Westbrook hinges on more than just stats. Championships are often the deciding factor in these discussions, and Westbrook has yet to win one.
His closest brush with a title came in 2012 when the Oklahoma City Thunder reached the NBA Finals but fell to the Miami Heat in five games. Despite making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2011, 2014, and 2016, Westbrook's postseason success has been limited, affecting his standing in all-time rankings compared to legends like Curry, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Oscar Robertson.
Beverley places Curry at the top, and Curry’s accolades support that claim. With four NBA titles, one Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, and two scoring titles, Curry's legacy as the greatest shooter ever is secure. Yet, when it comes to the greatest point guard of all time, many still favor Magic Johnson, whose five NBA titles and unmatched playmaking skills set a high bar.
Curry might need another championship to solidify his claim, but with the Warriors' current state, that seems uncertain unless they make significant moves in the offseason.
While Curry will retire with multiple championships, Westbrook might be remembered as one of the best players without a ring. Currently with the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook continues to show his worth, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game in the 2025-26 season. Despite being unsigned through training camp, he’s proven he can still contribute significantly.
Beverley believes Westbrook's stint with the Lakers unfairly tarnished his reputation. "It's just awful that he played for the Lakers, his hometown team, and the love wasn’t there," Beverley remarked. He praised Westbrook's unparalleled competitive spirit, hoping teams recognize his value as a veteran presence for young squads aiming for success.
Only time will reveal if NBA teams share Beverley's high regard for Westbrook.