Former Teammate Defends Paul George, Russell Westbrook Against Criticism

Russell Westbrook and Paul George, both seasoned NBA stars, have faced persistent criticism for their lack of championship success despite their significant contributions and work ethic. Their former teammate Raymond Felton has vocally defended them, highlighting the intense effort they put in daily, including extra practice and competitive one-on-one sessions, which fans often overlook. Felton criticized harsh fan reactions and media narratives that unfairly malign Westbrook and George, emphasizing that both are major superstars who deserve respect for their dedication and impact. Westbrook, a former MVP and nine-time All-Star, recently played for the Denver Nuggets, while George, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, dealt with injuries that limited his performance. Despite their advanced ages and the scrutiny they face, Felton insists the negative criticism fails to acknowledge their professionalism and the challenges of their careers. This defense underscores the broader issue of how NBA players are judged in the social media era, where fans' expectations often overshadow the reality of players' hard work and circumstances.