Kyrie Irving took some time out of his day Thursday to show one of his longest rivals some love. The Mavericks star posted a video of some Russell Westbrook highlights on Instagram with a message for the veteran point guard.
“Let’s not pretend this Dude right here didn’t revolutionize the Game and inspire all of us to do things YOUR way and say f**k em ALL,” Irving wrote on his Instagram story.
Westbrook revolutionizing the game is debatable, because quite frankly there’s never been another player who can do what he does. But if anyone can speak on his impact, it’s another high-scoring point guard like Irving.
Kyrie gives Russ his flowers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DpTyfFnJyg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 3, 2023
Westbrook is one of the most interesting players to ever play the sport. At just 6’3,” he has most the triple doubles in NBA history and averaged a triple double for four whole seasons in ’17, ’18, ’19 and ’21. He’s also recognized as arguably the most athletic point guard of all time, building his career off of his blinding speed and violent attacks on the rim. But it hasn’t absolved him from criticism.
The former NBA MVP has faced scrutiny because of his play style as a volume shooter and some have accused him of stat padding. No such critique has ever influenced Westbrook and he is still playing with the same reckless abandon at 34 years old.
