Why Russell Westbrook may need lastly discovered the correct staff with the Clippers

We are actually beginning the unofficial second half of the NBA season with the completion of All-Star weekend and no matter that All-Star Game was alleged to be. That means we’re inching nearer to the playoffs, and groups are searching for methods to enhance their rosters within the buyout market.

When Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz as a part of a three-team commerce, the writing was instantly on the wall for him to be purchased out. However, we acquired reviews just lately that Westbrook had discussions with a number of groups, together with the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angles Clippers.

The Clippers appeared to be the entrance runners for a few causes. First, Westbrook is a California native and the general public endorsed by Paul George, who has been reportedly recruiting his former teammate and had this to say throughout All-Star Weekend.

The Clippers did make different strikes through the commerce deadline that modified their backcourt. They traded for Bones Hyland and Eric Gordon whereas buying and selling away Reggie Jackson. Gordon and Hyland can play level guard, however each are extra combo guards than level guards.

Enter Westbrook, who’s about to play for his fourth staff since his commerce from OKC after the 2018-19 season. Plenty of tales have been written about why it finally did not work with the Lakers, and we are able to spend one other month speaking about that. Still, for this text, we’ll focus on Westbrook’s match with the Clippers and if it will likely be any totally different than his Lakers stint.

To begin or to not begin, and does he end the sport?

The first query that must be answered is whether or not Westbrook will proceed his current play as a sixth man or transfer again to his extra acquainted function as a place to begin guard.

As talked about earlier, the Clippers made some strikes of their backcourt on the commerce deadline. Jackson had lengthy been moved to the bench, with the Clippers electing to run with Terance Mann on the level guard spot. However, all through the primary half of the season, it appeared that the Clippers had been by no means offered on this concept. Mann’s minutes fluctuated all season, and there have been some video games the place Mann wasn’t on the courtroom in crunch time.

We even have reviews that Westbrook will ultimately take over the beginning spot.

Of course, this might all change as soon as Westbrook will get time on the courtroom together with his new staff. The Lakers had Westbrook beginning as properly, however ultimately concluded that he labored higher with the second unit. Westbrook did end some video games with the Lakers, nevertheless it modified from recreation to recreation. With the Clippers, it isn’t assured how Lue will handle late-game lineups. The Lakers and Clippers, nonetheless, do have a unique dynamic.

Clippers have a unique staff dynamic

Even although LeBron has been slotted as a small ahead for many of his profession, most know he’s actually the purpose guard on any staff he has been on, and it was no totally different with the Lakers. That did not go away a number of alternatives for a participant like Westbrook to have the ball in his palms. Westbrook has by no means been confused with Klay Thompson, a participant who can nonetheless thrive even when he would not have the ball in his palms.

Even although gamers like George and Kawhi Leonard do command the ball, they’re each gamers who can play off different gamers with or with out the ball. Outside of these two gamers, nobody will demand touches within the offense, which ought to result in extra alternatives for Westbrook to have the ball in his palms.

Westbrook is at his greatest when working the offense and is initiating performs as an alternative of sitting in a nook ready on a cross late within the shot clock. George had arguably his greatest season taking part in alongside Westbrook of their closing season for the Thunder, a lot in order that he was within the working for MVP most of that season. The chemistry between the 2 All-Stars is certainly there, and is one cause to be inspired by this signing.

Tye Lue often is the coach Westbrook wants at this level in his profession.

Another factor to contemplate is the teaching. Dervin Ham could develop into a fantastic coach, however he’s a rookie coach who continues to be looking for his footing as a head coach. Ty Lue, however, has seen loads in his teaching profession. From an NBA championship with LeBron and the Cavs to navigating damage after damage with the Clippers, Lue has all the time discovered a option to make his groups aggressive.

Lue could higher perceive use Westbrook and get him to carry out in a approach Ham couldn’t determine. Lue has been often known as a participant’s coach, and possibly that’s what Westbrook wants at this profession stage.

Conclusion

Westbrook is on the level of his NBA profession the place a hoop means greater than particular person stats. Westbrook has had post-OKC success with the Houston Rockets, the place for a couple of months he performed at an elite stage earlier than the pandemic and accidents destroyed any likelihood he needed to end the season robust. With the Washington Wizards he was one of many foremost causes the staff made the playoffs in his first season. He then struggled to discover a function with the Lakers, as he by no means tailored his recreation to his new place off the bench.

Depending on who you communicate to, it was Westbrook not wanting to vary or the Lakers not realizing what to do with the long run Hall of Famer. We will discover out who was proper very quickly, or it may very well be that each side had been proper. I believe Westbrook may also help and supply the Clippers with one other participant who can get his personal shot. Even in a minor function, Westbrook can supply insurance coverage if Leonard has to overlook video games once more.

One factor is for certain Westbrook profession is winding down, and this can be his final greatest shot at that elusive ring.