Enes Kanter 'loved playing' with former teammate Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is perhaps the most divisive player in the NBA, with some calling him an overrated ball hog, while others insist he's the most underappreciated play among the league's elites. During an AMA with Bleacher Report, former teammate Enes Kanter placed himself firmly into the latter camp, calling one of his all-time favorite teammates.

"I don't understand the hate he gets, man," Kanter asked in response to a fan asking if he likes Westbrook. "People see him yelling, but he plays with a lot of passion. I say this on many outlets, but he's one of my favorite teammates of all time. People only see Russell on the court, but off the court he's a really good teammate, and all the charity work he's done. I loved playing with Russ."

Kanter and Westbrook played four seasons together for the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Kanter having perhaps his best NBA season in his first year with the team, averaging 18.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. 

Westbrook is high on the list of players who NBA players say is better than they are perceived by fans and analysts. Ja Morant, Kobe Bryant and former teammate Kevin Durant all have praised the point guard for his skill on the court.

Kanter was also asked about his current teammate Jayson Tatum and said the young star's improvement has been "unbelievable," while predicting that "in a couple of years he's gonna be in the MVP conversation."

The Celtics will play the Toronto Raptors Friday night at 9 p.m. ET.