Former Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Former Denver Nuggets star puts ESPN on blast in expletive-laden rant

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/14/23

Kenyon Martin has aired his frustration over ESPN's recent player rankings. The former Denver Nuggets star is unhappy with where Russell Westbrook sat on their list of the top 100 players. Rookies Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson were both listed higher than Westbrook.

The former MVP has been the subject of criticism in recent seasons, with Westbrook's stock taking a huge hit during his spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a recent episode of the "Gils Arena" podcast, Martin explained why he was frustrated.

“Show me f****** 93 other people better than Russell Westbrook in the NBA. You got two people on the list that ain’t played one f****** NBA minute. How the f*** are they better than Russ? You f****** idiots over there doing this bulls***.”

Kenyon Martin blasts ESPN for ranking Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson over Russell Westbrook

“Show me f***ing 93 other people better than Russell Westbrook in the NBA. You got two people on the list that ain’t played one f***ing NBA minute. How the f**k are they better… pic.twitter.com/FO1UmsGd9R
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 14, 2023

Westbrook isn't the dominant force he was in his prime. However, the 34-year-old is still an elite point guard. The California native averaged 15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game last season. Yet, Westbrook's inconsistent perimeter jump shot appears to be all anyone can focus on.

It's true; Westbrook needs to be surrounded by shooters. He is also at his best with the ball in his hands. With the Lakers, Westbrook struggled to impact games when operating as a third option. Not every star has a skill set that meshes well with other ball-dominant players.

After signing a new deal with the L.A. Clippers this summer after joining the franchise during the middle of the 2022-23 season following a trade to the Utah Jazz and subsequent buyout, Westbrook will be hoping to remind everyone what he's capable of. Head coach Ty Lue has needed an elite point guard in recent seasons. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are elite wings. They're not as ball-dominant as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, though.

ESPN ranked Westbrook as the 94th-best player in the NBA. They had Scoot Henderson at 78th. Wembanyama was listed 47th. Martin is right. Westbrook was disrespected by the latest rankings. Putting two players who have never suited up on an NBA court ahead of the former MVP is inexcusable.

Westbrook deserves better. He will have an opportunity to show everybody how wrong they've been during the upcoming season.

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