Russell Westbrook officially hung up his sneakers on August 12, calling it a career after an incredible 18 seasons in the NBA, but apparently, Patrick Beverley thinks that decision wasn’t entirely Westbrook’s own. The future Hall-of-Famer is most known for his 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he became an NBA superstar on a title contender, yet Beverley is out here dropping bombs that the league itself pushed him out.
A Legacy Cut Short?
Westbrook’s resume is absolutely stacked, no doubt about it. The guy was a one-time MVP winner, a nine-time All-Star, and a nine-time All-NBA member. He completely redefined what a triple-double even meant, averaging the mark four times in a five-year span! On top of that, he’s got two scoring titles and three assist titles. Throw in those deep NBA playoff runs with OKC, and you’ve got one of the defining stars of the 2010s, plain and simple. So, to hear Beverley comment on Westbrook’s retirement with a “bone to pick” really makes you stop and think. Instead of just celebrating an iconic career, Beverley went straight for the jugular, calling out the league’s politics as the real reason Westbrook isn’t lacing up for a 19th season. He believes there’s still plenty of gas in that tank!
The Unbelievable Truth From Pat Bev
And here’s where it gets wild. Beverley, on his podcast, pulled no punches, laying the blame squarely on the media. “I think the media is so strong that it allowed fans to call him names. It allowed fans to have opinions about his game, which also forced team owners, GMs and presidents to look at him a certain way,” Beverley said. He even made a shocking comparison, stating, “When you talk about guards that’s in the NBA , and it’s no disrespect to guys that’s on current teams. But when you talk about you see Lonnie Walker , and it’s no disrespect to Lonnie Walker. He’s a good friend of mine , but if he can make an NBA team, Russell Westbrook can make an NBA team without a doubt.” Seriously? Beverley saying that after their infamous “Batman-Joker dynamic” that goes all the way back to their 2013 playoff matchup? The guy who ran into Westbrook’s knee, causing a season-ending torn meniscus and years of knee problems? Their shared time on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23 must have truly healed that wound for him to go to bat like this. Draymond Green also chimed in, saying the “love” since retirement has been “inauthentic,” adding another layer to this whole mess.
Stepped Away, Or Pushed Out?
Now, the article does suggest another side to this story, and it’s tough to ignore. While Beverley’s theory is certainly spicy, it kinda feels like Westbrook stepped away from the game himself. He apparently passed on a veteran leadership role that didn’t promise consistent playing time. Both the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings reportedly offered him one-year deals. At 37 years old, maybe Westbrook just decided to call it a career rather than take a reduced role. But man, the idea that the media and “league politics” could actually push a legendary player like Russell Westbrook out of the game? That’s a conversation starter if I’ve ever heard one. What a way for a star of the 2010s to go out, if Beverley’s right.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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