Enes Kanter and Russell Westbrook developed a close friendship during their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Though they're no longer dressing in the same uniform, Kanter still has the utmost respect for his friend. In fact, Kanter says Westbrook might be the best teammate he's ever had.
There have been some reports, as well as some visual evidence, that Westbrook is “hard to play with.” After all, this is Russell Westbrook we're talking about — one of the scrappiest, no sh**-taking players in today's NBA. To be frank, Russ is not looking to make friends on the court, though he does have plenty of them.
In an Undisputed interview with Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe, Kanter laid out the reasons why he thinks so highly of Westbrook.
“People are saying it's so hard to play with Russ,” Kanter said during his interview. “Man… this dude, he's maybe the best teammate I've ever played with. He's a very good dude. I mean, I love him — on the court and off the court. He's the type of guy that makes himself and everyone else around him better.
“While some people say no… to me, yes,” Kanter continued. “He made me so much better — on the court and off the court. He was like a big brother to me.”
Last September, the Thunder traded Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round draft pick to the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony.
In 71 appearances with New York last season, Kanter racked up averages of 14.1 points on 59.2 percent shooting from the field, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 25.8 minutes per outing.
Although they're on opposing sides now, it seems Kanter still appreciates the time he and Westbrook spent together.
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