Russell Westbrook never gets the respect that his gameplay deserves. He attracts more criticism than appreciation, no matter what he does. When he scores consecutive triple-doubles, people call him selfish and someone running behind those numbers. When he joins/leaves a franchise, the same people tag him as an opportunist, as if it’s a bad thing.
Well, the most recent disrespect on Russ’s name came unveiling in his NBA 2K rating. The man surpassed Sir Oscar Robertson to become the league’s most triple-double getter last season. But none of that reflected dearly when the ratings rolled out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Twitter went crazy after learning about the underestimation of Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook got a meager 85 as his rating, while no one expected him to go any below 90. Surprisingly enough, the rating providers placed Mr. Triple Double just one unit ahead of the 20-YO LaMelo Ball. He matched the rating of champion Jrue Holiday and trailed the likes of Zion Williamson, Khris Middleton, and Trae Young.
#NBA2K22 Ratings
LeBron: 96
KD: 96
Giannis: 96
Steph: 96
Embiid: 95
Jokic: 95
Kawhi: 95
Luka: 94
Harden: 94
Dame: 94
Candace: 93
Tatum: 90
Trae: 89
Zion: 89
Khris: 88
Jrue: 85
LaMelo: 84 pic.twitter.com/OhKRA3xonJ— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 18, 2021
Twitter certainly did not see that coming and hence reacted hysterically to it. Take a look at myriads of people questioning the ratings and complaining –
My Lakers #NBA2K22 Ratings:
Russell Westbrook – 91
Malik Monk – 76
LeBron James – 98
Anthony Davis – 95
Dwight Howard – 81What would you change? #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/8pPeqJhWYw
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) August 19, 2021
Russell Westbrook rn : pic.twitter.com/iFCubFPdsB
— B.O.T.G (@BOHustle20) August 21, 2021
How you rate @russwest44 an 85 and the man just averaged a triple double? I need an explanation @NBA2K
— Schuy (@s_harvey21_007) August 22, 2021
Making Russell Westbrook an 85 is definitely a Trending Ploy, just to get us talking. I’m Done. pic.twitter.com/rNCdXk6Su0
— FreddyP (@IVFreddyp) August 21, 2021
NBA 2K said LaMelo Ball is pretty much as good as Russell Westbrook
— I’m leaving here with something (@WhoIsWynton) August 22, 2021
Put some respect on my boys name! He definitely at least just about a 90. @russwest44 at least!
— GUNZZ PARA-T- 🔥🎙🤯 🎧 🦁🚨 PARA-T- MUSIC 🇵🇷 (@GunzzNY) August 21, 2021
As Bradley Beal had a hilarious reaction to his rating, Russ found most of his former and current All-Star teammates fairing far better than him.
Read more – Should Lakers Be Worried About Russell Westbrook’s Playoff Struggles?
How has Russ performed on the ratings in the past?
The last time Russell Westbrook went below 85 in his rating was in 2011 when he was an 81. But that was still okay for a 3-YO in the league playing under the OKC banner and in the shadow of better performers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Russell Westbrook’s NBA 2K ratings throughout the years:
2K9: 77
2K10: 77
2K11: 81
2K12: 88
2K13: 93
2K14: 91
2K15: 88
2K16: 89
2K17: 93
2K18: 94
2K19: 93
2K20: 90
2K21: 88
2K22: ??What should the Brodie’s @NBA2K rating be? #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/iAoBZXdZ6D
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) August 22, 2021
But last season, the man completed his fourth ever year when he registered a triple double. He averaged a whopping 22.2 points, 11.5 rebs, 11.7 assists, and 1.4 steals to help the Wizards somehow reach the playoffs. In fact, they were even able to defeat the table-topping Sixers in one of their playoff games.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So it is just so much tough to understand how he got a paltry 85. Which number do you believe can justify his abilities? Help us know in the comments section below.
Watch this story – Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and Other NBA Players Who Signed with the Jordan Brand