Tyrese Haliburton gets honest about Russell Westbrook's impressive NBA legacy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With Russell Westbrook's retirement, the NBA community has paid tribute to his legacy. The Oklahoma City Thunder icon is remembered as one of the most intense and competitive players of all time, which has led to people respecting him even more.
Of course, Westbrook did not win a championship, but it was clear that he did everything he could. That is why he is such a respected figure in the community, and even amongst the players. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has given him the flowers he deserves.
Tyrese Haliburton heaps praise on the recently retired Russell Westbrook
Haliburton is one of the league's best point guards, which is special because he is not the score-first mold. He is one of the best playmakers in the league, as he makes his teammates better. Haliburton might not be the scorer that Westbrook was, but they are comparable with their overall playmaking and leadership.
Like Westbrook, Haliburton also wears the #0. Of course, Westbrook was not the reason why the younger guard wears the number because that distinction goes to Damian Lillard. However, Haliburton still appreciates what Westbrook brought to the game.
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Considering that Westbrook never won a ring in his NBA career, Haliburton has wondered if he is one of the best players to never do so. There is definitely an argument for that, especially since Westbrook has truly proven he deserves to be known as an all-time great with his MVP and many All-Star nods.
"Salute to a legend. I personally think he's up there, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, of players who never won a championship. I do think what an unbelievable career. I have so many memories of playing against him, just like whatever you guys see on TV, you think, it's that... He's unbelievable, such a good dude," Haliburton said on Numbers on the Board about Westbrook's legacy.
Westbrook's legacy will continue to live on, and contrary to what some people believe, it will age wonderfully. He might not have won a championship, but Westbrook managed to do things that were nearly impossible before he stood out as the Thunder's star player.
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