Comparisons are hateful and more when we try to compare the greatest player of all time. Even though you can’t say this player is the perfect resemblance of Michael Jordan, some guys show touches of MJ’s talent and have some things in common with His Airness.
For instance, Stephen A. Smith believes Russell Westbrook shows the same intensity and competitiveness as MJ. During Wednesday’s edition of ‘First Take’, Stephen A. was asked if there was any player that showed the same competitiveness as Jordan, as to what Smith replied:
“When you look at how volatile Russell Westbrook is, how competitive he is, there’s just no question, in my mind it’s him. When you think about Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 27 (points), 8 (rebounds) and 7 (assists) this season, who is fresh off from averaging a triple-double in back-to-back years before he arrived in Houston. When you look at his competitive night in and night out and what he brings to the table in terms of his athleticism and his willingness to attack you. When you think about Jordan and what we’re learning from this documentary, it’s not an accident that Russell Westbrook has represented the Jordan Brand for years because. He personifies everything that MJ has revealed he believes in.”
He then explained how Westbrook’s loyalty was praised by Jordan when Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder and Russ decided to stay. Back in the day, NBA players weren’t trying to join forces with their friends in order to have a better and easier path to the title.
In 2016, Jordan inducted Russ into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and he didn’t miss the chance to praise Russ and his loyalty to the Thunder.
“Another thing you guys should be proud of is the sense of loyalty this kid has shown,” Jordan said, per Royce Young of ESPN.com.
“He decided to stay here in Oklahoma. I’m not here to try and bash anybody that’s not here. Everybody has a choice. I’m not saying everybody doesn’t have a choice. But when I saw he chose to stay in Oklahoma I was so proud, and as Clay [Bennett] knows and Russ knows, I texted him to show a sense of respect.”
Moreover, MJ also said he saw a lot of his game in Westbrook, saying what Stephen A. would four years later.
“I see a lot of resemblance in his passion for the game of basketball in the way I play the game of basketball.”
If MJ himself says so, who are we to say the opposite?
