Hall of Famer Gary Payton recently shared his admiration for Russell Westbrook, highlighting the guard’s ability to record triple-doubles with apparent ease. Payton told NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson that the key to Westbrook’s stat-stuffing performances is rebounding.
Payton contrasted today’s game with his era, explaining why point guards in the 1990s rarely pursued double-digit rebounds. “Point guards – we didn’t get a lot of rebounds like that because our big men would tell that they’re going to knock our face off if we go down there because that was in their contract to get rebounds, you know what I’m sayin’? They wouldn’t let us come down there and rebound the basketball,” he said.
The former “Glove” praised Westbrook’s authenticity and competitive spirit, dismissing critics who question his impact on winning. “I love the kid. The kid is one of my favorites. So I could care less what people think about him,” Payton said, emphasizing the guard’s commitment to staying true to himself.
“Stay yourself and that’s what I like about him is that he stays himself. He doesn’t shy back from what he wants to do and what he wants to say so, f*** it… He’s doing it, he’s making it happen,” Payton added, underscoring the importance of Westbrook maintaining his identity on and off the court.
Payton also addressed the notion that Westbrook is a “cancer” to teams. He flipped the narrative, stating that the problem often lies with teammates rather than Westbrook, citing his intense desire to win as a source of tension. “They talk about that he can’t win with good players because he’s a cancer to other people, but they’re a cancer to him because he’s just a WINNER. That’s what happens when you get a guy with that winning mentality,” Payton said.
Westbrook has continued his strong start to the 2025–26 season with the Sacramento Kings. In his latest outing against Golden State, he recorded 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, adding to his career legacy of triple-doubles. He is averaging 20.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across four games in November.
