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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings dribble the ball during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook has had a storied career. He has won an MVP and has proven to be one of the best guards in the league. Westbrook has also played on several teams in his NBA career, which could lessen his legacy in some pundits’ eyes.
Westbrook believes that he is still one of the best players to ever play in the NBA. He believes that he has skills that no one else in the history of the league has. His athleticism is what he has been known for in his career, and he believes he’s second to none.
In fact, Westbrook claims that he is the most athletic player to ever play in the NBA.
GettySacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook dribbles the ball. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Kings’ Russell Westbrook Claims to be Most Athletic NBA Player in History
While Westbrook was leaving the gym, he made sure to let the world know that he believes he’s the most athletic guard to ever play in the NBA.
“Do I wish? What do you mean ‘wish’? I’m the most athletic all-time. Ever. Don’t even question that. Better check the numbers. Most dunks…never mind. I’m gonna stop right there.”
Westbrook’s athleticism has certainly been legendary in his career. He is the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season. His ability to grab rebounds and drive straight to the rim was a big reason he was able to accomplish that.
This season with the Kings, Westbrook’s season has not gone as planned. While his individual stats are all up from a year ago, the Kings are one of the worst teams in the league. Right now, they have the worst record in the NBA. They are trying to land a top-four pick in the draft.
GettySacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook drives the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings Will Keep Playing Russell Westbrook
While tanking seems to be rampant around the league, Sacramento doesn’t need to do that. They are just a naturally bad team. Because of that, the Kings will be able to keep playing Westbrook a lot of minutes. He is going to be one of the starters for Sacramento for the rest of the season.
After this season, Westbrook’s future is unclear. He was unsigned until very late in the offseason this past summer, so he might not be able to find a home. Westbrook is 37 years old and very much past his prime. He still loves the game and would clearly like to keep playing.
Westbrook’s turnover ratio is the second-highest in his career. Only last year was worse, which shows he is struggling at this point in his career. That doesn’t take away how strong a player he was in his prime, which is what Westbrook is referring to in this comment as he was leaving.
Westbrook is a free agent when the season ends, so it’s unclear what his future holds in the NBA.