Talk about a hot take! An NBA ‘All-Quarter Century’ list just dropped, and it’s missing one of the most decorated point guards of all time. We’re talking about a player who redefined the triple-double! Former All-Star Jeff Teague isn’t holding back, calling the snub “absurd.” Is Russell Westbrook truly getting the respect he deserves?

The recent unveiling of an “NBA All-Quarter Century Teams” list has ignited a fervent sports debate across the basketball world, primarily due to the shocking omission of Basketball Legends like Russell Westbrook. This controversial snub has sent ripples through the league, prompting former players and analysts to question the criteria and legitimacy of such a high-profile ranking.

Despite his undeniable pedigree, Russell Westbrook has found himself navigating a challenging phase in his career. After declining a player option with the Denver Nuggets, the former NBA MVP is surprisingly struggling to garner significant interest in the 2024 offseason free agency, a perplexing scenario for a player of his caliber. This free agency uncertainty adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about his current standing in the league.

However, recent struggles should not overshadow Westbrook’s monumental contributions to the game. At 36, he may be past his absolute prime, yet his career achievements are nothing short of legendary. A nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, three-time assist champion, nine-time All-NBA selection, and the 2017 NBA MVP, Westbrook has solidified his place as one of the most decorated point guards in the history of NBA News.

While his tenure with teams like the Denver Nuggets might not have left a lasting imprint, Westbrook’s impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise is arguably unparalleled, cementing him as the greatest player in their history. His explosive athleticism, relentless drive, and statistical dominance consistently pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible for a point guard.

The core of the recent NBA Snubs controversy stems from CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn’s “NBA All-Quarter Century Teams,” designed to highlight the three best players at each position over the past 25 years. While any such list is bound to spark discussion over player placements, the most glaring and talked-about exclusion, by far, has been that of Russell Westbrook.

Adding fuel to the fire, former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague took to his podcast to vehemently defend Westbrook, expressing his utter disbelief at the omission. Teague highlighted Westbrook’s unprecedented achievement of averaging a triple-double for four consecutive seasons, a feat he noted has been made to look “too normal” despite its extraordinary nature.

Teague further underscored Westbrook’s unique athleticism and statistical prowess, recalling his incredible 20/20/20 game – 20 points, 20 rebounds, 20 assists – as a testament to his all-around dominance at his size. He emphatically stated, “Russell Westbrook, we need to have a real conversation,” signaling that the disrespect aimed at the superstar needs to be addressed.

Indeed, Westbrook has frequently been characterized as one of the most disrespected superstars in recent NBA memory. Despite his on-court impact and undeniable statistical output, especially his time as a triple-double machine, he has often received more criticism than adulation from sports media and a segment of the fanbase, regardless of his team’s performance.

While debates about specific player comparisons, such as Westbrook’s inclusion over Steve Nash on a hypothetical list, are inevitable, the overwhelming sentiment among many analysts and fans is that Russell Westbrook, a true Basketball Legends figure, unquestionably deserved a spot on the “NBA All-Quarter Century Teams,” and his exclusion remains a significant point of sports debate within the league.