The Phoenix Suns have one of the worst point guard situations in the entire NBA. They not only lack point guard depth, but also lack a starting point guard. However there remains one free agent who couldn’t potentially step in to help fill that void: Russell Westbrook.
The Suns are completely lacking in point guard depth.
The Phoenix Suns point guard situation is so bad that they are asking Jalen Green and Devin Booker to compete for the lead ball handler role. Neither is a natural point guard although they do draw the attention of opposing defenses very well and can make place for others in a pinch. However, the suns are still lacking any proven point guards on their entire roster.
Despite some eccentric play, which Suns fan saw firsthand in the 2023 playoffs, Russell Westbrook can still contribute at a solid level. He would likely be a regular rotation player and even spot starter on the Suns.
Westbrook does not have a very reliable jumpshot, but he is still capable of creating plays for others and generating rim pressure. Last season he averaged 6 assists per game in 28 minutes per game while playing alongside a ball-dominant playmaker in Nikola Jokic.
Westbrook’s defense has also improved dramatically in recent years. He’s shown a lot more effort on that end of the court then he did during his MVP years in Oklahoma City and he even won the Clippers some playoff games against the Sun two seasons ago with clutch defensive plays.
Russell Westbrook is hard at work via @Cbrickley603 IG. pic.twitter.com/8pGMyU1WKz
— JDJackson (@TheWestWolfPod) September 13, 2025
Some fans have compared rumors regarding Westbrook to the Suns’ previous trade for Bradley Beal. There are some comparisons to be drawn, mainly that they’re both big names stars past their primes, but still have a big chip on their shoulder. However, the situation would be vastly different from a financial standpoint and in terms of play style.
Westbrook would likely be willing to sign a minimum deal after receiving little to no interest from the rest of the league this off-season. And his rim attacking playmaking can complement players like Devin Booker rather than clashing with them as Bradley Beal did.
One important thing to note about Westbrook’s fit on the Suns is that he would likely not mesh well with Jalen Green. Both are at their best when they’re attacking the rim and neither are reliable outside shooters. Putting Green next to Westbrook may be replicating the subpar offensive environment that he had in Houston.
Westbrook can also offer some mentorship to Jalen Green and teach him how to be effective without overrelying on his athleticism. Of course, at the peak of his own athletic powers, Westbrook was a league MVP and averaged a triple double for multiple seasons in a row.
However, he’s found ways to remain effective and stay in the league as he’s grown older. He can impart that wisdom on Jalen Green early and help him grow his game.
Westbrook is a nice emergency option to have at point guard. He can make some frustrating decisions at times including questionable shot selection and crunch time turnovers. But he also makes up for those plays with brilliant plays that others are simply unable to make. He’s certainly worth the risk for a minimum contract.