Kendrick Perkins ranks former teammate Russell Westbrook over ringless legend Chris Paul: “I do not have him in my top 10”

Russell Westbrook has seen his fair share of criticism in recent seasons. However, his former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, rated him higher than LA Clippers veteran guard Chris Paul.

Perkins asserted thaat Paul is a top 15 point guard, but he’s not in his top 10. Perkins’ reasoning is that when ranking all-time greats, accolades like championships, Finals MVP and regular season MVP should be considered.

“CP3 (Chris Paul) is the top 15 greatest point guard of all time. I do not have him in my top 10,” Perkins said on Monday, via the “Road Trippin’ Show” podcast.

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“I don't have CP3 ranked above Russell Westbrook. But when it comes down to rankings, you got to check those boxes and you got to have those accolades. And when I say accolades, yes, championships or finals MVP, obviously. But CP3 don't have one MVP.”

Westbrook won the league’s MVP award in 2017. He also became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over a season. Paul, despite his longevity and consistency, has never won MVP, finishing as a runner-up once in 2008.

Both players have been criticized for falling short in the playoffs. However, only Westbrook has led a team to a conference finals as a primary scoring option (2016 Thunder). Paul reached the NBA Finals once (2021) but has also had multiple blown leads in the postseason.

What’s next for Russell Westbrook?

Russell Westbrook opted out of his 2025-26 player option with the Nuggets worth $3.4 million, making him an unrestricted free agent as of June 30. Reports indicated a return was not completely ruled out, but he remains unsigned by any NBA team.

The Sacramento Kings are widely reported as the most realistic landing spot, with interest in adding veteran playmaking depth behind Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray. The Miami Heat also emerged as favorites according to Bovada, with potential to offer a veteran's minimum contract for depth in the backcourt.

The nine-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season.

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About the author

Ubong Richard Archibong

Ubong Richard Archibong is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with over a year's experience in the field with FirstSportz.

Ubong is an LA Lakers fan, and he grew up watching Kobe Bryant taking on everyone with his Mamba mentality. Ubong's love for the Lakers hit another level when his favorite player, LeBron James, joined LA from the Cavs. Other than LeBron, Ubong likes Anthony Edwards, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Phil Jackson.

Beyond the court, Ubong is a traveler at heart and a Chelsea fan, always ready for the thrill and tension they bring. When not working, Ubong likes traveling and volunteering.

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