Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star, has reaffirmed his belief that Russell Westbrook is still the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history, even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to build his own legacy with the franchise.

Westbrook’s Legacy: A Statistical Marvel

On his podcast The Why, Wade discussed the ongoing debate about the Thunder’s greatest player. He emphasized Westbrook’s historic achievement of averaging a triple-double in four separate seasons — a feat that has not been matched since.

“I still think that Russell Westbrook is the greatest player in Oklahoma City history right now,” Wade said. “Bro, Russ averaged a triple-double four times. He went and did something that will never ever be done again. He did it four times. Player to Player. (Shai) has only done two years.”

Westbrook’s time with the Thunder from 2008 to 2019 was marked by incredible statistical output. In 821 games, he averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. His field goal percentage was 43.4%, and he shot 30.8% from three-point range.

During his tenure, Westbrook earned eight All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and was named MVP in 2017. He also led the league in assists per game in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

The Case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as the Thunder’s current star, made history last season by winning his first NBA championship in a six-game series against the Indiana Pacers. He was also named Finals MVP, a feat Westbrook never achieved.

“Shai probably has the better case for being Oklahoma City’s greatest NBA athlete,” Wade acknowledged. “But that doesn’t mean Westbrook’s legacy has diminished.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s success has shifted the narrative around the Thunder’s greatest player, with some fans arguing that his championship and individual accolades solidify his place in franchise history. However, others still hold Westbrook in high regard for his relentless effort and leadership.

Westbrook’s work ethic was a defining characteristic of his time with the Thunder. He was known for giving 110% on every possession, often sacrificing personal accolades for the team’s success. Despite his statistical brilliance, his teams never advanced past the Western Conference Finals, with his only NBA Finals appearance coming in 2012.

The Future of the Debate

While Westbrook’s time with the Thunder has concluded, he remains active in the NBA, currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. His presence in the league continues to spark discussions about his legacy, particularly in Oklahoma City.

“There’s still a chance he might return there to finish what he started 17 years ago,” Wade suggested. “But even if he doesn’t, his impact on the franchise will never be forgotten.”

Wade’s endorsement of Westbrook’s legacy adds credibility to the debate, given his own status as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players. He faced Westbrook in the 2012 NBA Finals, where he won his first title with the Miami Heat. That experience, Wade said, gave him a firsthand look at Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness.

“He experienced Westbrook’s ferocity first-hand, and it clearly left a strong impression,” Wade added. “That’s why I still think he’s the best.”

The debate over who is the greatest player in Thunder history is likely to continue for years, with both Westbrook and Gilgeous-Alexander offering compelling cases. While the latter has achieved the ultimate goal of a championship, the former has left an indelible mark on the franchise through his historic performance and relentless play.