NBA star Paul George has ignited a firestorm of controversy, and fans aren’t holding back. The Philadelphia 76ers forward, formerly of the Oklahoma City Thunder, made headlines with what many are calling a blatant case of “‘Disrespecting’ Westbrook,” his former teammate.
NBA Fans Slam Paul George for ‘Disrespecting’ Westbrook—Is He Wrong?
During a recent interview, George praised his current 76ers teammates, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, stating, “This is the first time I’ve played with an elite point guard and an elite big man all at once.” And just like that, NBA fans were sent into a frenzy. Did George seriously just forget about Westbrook and Steven Adams?
The uproar was immediate. Many rushed to the comments, accusing George of disrespecting Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star. Westbrook, who played a pivotal role in George’s best season with the Thunder in 2019, averaged 22.9 points and 10.7 assists, numbers that many feel should have cemented him as “elite” in George’s memory.
Fans didn’t let George off the hook. While Adams’ stats—13.9 points and 9.5 rebounds—might not scream ‘elite’ to everyone, many believe Westbrook’s contributions were undeniably significant.
One furious fan posted a GIF of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal with the caption, “KD and Paul George at ‘forgetting’ Westbrook.” Another chimed in, “Steven Adams and Russell Westbrook would like to have a word,” reflecting the widespread sentiment that George crossed a line.
What’s even more surprising is how this comment, shared on X (formerly Twitter), racked up over 3 million views. And with views came a barrage of criticism, some humorous, others downright harsh. But what’s clear is that the fans weren’t going to let George get away with this.
It wasn’t just Westbrook and Adams on the minds of fans. Some even brought up George’s Indiana Pacers days, mentioning the duo of George Hill and Roy Hibbert, suggesting they too were worthy teammates. Still, no one came close to matching Joel Embiid, the 2023 MVP who averaged a staggering 34.7 points in his limited appearances last season.
As the debate raged on, one thing became apparent: NBA fans have long memories, especially when it comes to perceived slights. Paul George’s comment wasn’t likely meant to offend, but it’s clear fans interpreted it as a major diss to Westbrook and Adams.
This incident highlights how sensitive the NBA community is to player remarks, especially when past teammates feel sidelined. George’s words could have been taken out of context, but it’s a clear reminder that in sports, every word is scrutinized. It would have been wise for George to acknowledge his past teammates while expressing his excitement about the future.
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