NBA: Russell Westbrook Plays Harder Than Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley Says

NBA legend Charles Barkley claims Russell Westbrook competes harder than Michael Jordan inside the basketball court.

During Jordan’s prime, an array of NBA stars rivaled with him and the Chicago Bulls. One of the most notable stars to ever compete with MJ was Barkley. The two have battled inside the court for several seasons and their rivalry has made Barkley aware of how hard Jordan competes. However, after a new breed of NBA stars conquered the league, Barkley has found a player who, in his eyes, plays harder than Jordan.

In a recent radio talk, Barkley stated that no one in the NBA can rough up Westbrook. The Sixers legend also noted that he had never seen a player give a “max effort” in every game like Westbrook, not even his old foe Jordan.

“Oh no that’s a fight you’re not looking for. That’s a man. I’ve never seen a player give max effort every single night like him. Even MJ didn’t play as hard as Westbrook does, and MJ’s the greatest of all time.. You got to respect that,” Barkley stated.

Looking at Barkley’s credibility to talk about putting so much effort in every game, he definitely has the right to make a point. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers just made him a statue to honor his legacy and unique contributions to the team.

As far as being a competitor, Sixers GM Elton Brand is still amazed by Barkley’s competitiveness and stated that Barkley will serve as an inspiration for the Sixers as they chase NBA championship next season, Yahoo Sports noted.

“Fierce competitor - the attitude he played with, the hustle, it screamed out Philly. It is Philly. And your DNA is still currently in this team today. When I'm thinking of team building, I'm thinking of heart. Players that don't back down, that are fierce. A player that's going to be selfless and try to win. So when I pursue a championship this season, you're still here,” Brand said about Barkley’s legacy.

Charles Barkley has picked the Golden State Warriors over the Houston Rockets to progress from the Western Conference. In this picture, Former NBA player and commentator Barkley looks on prior to the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game between the Villanova Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, April 4, 2016. Scott Halleran/Getty Images

As for Jordan, only few people has the courage to speak their minds and go against his legacy. Aside from Barkley, famous rapper Snoop Dogg recently said that to him, Jordan isn’t the “GOAT.”

“When Jordan put that “45” on, he was just another guy. And when he went to Washington, he was just another guy. And to me he ain’t the greatest basketball player in the world. There’s Kareem, Magic then we’ll work all the way (down) to Jordan,” Snoop said.