The Los Angeles Clippers signed point guard Russell Westbrook after he agreed to a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz. Westbrook didn’t play a single minute with the Jazz after the Los Angeles Lakers traded him in a three-team deal shortly before the NBA trade deadline.
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The Lakers are on the Western Conference playoff bubble and didn’t think Westbrook could help them make a postseason push in the last quarter of the season. However, Clippers are willing to take a chance on him. That’s likely at least in part due to comments from Paul George, who told the media earlier this month that the Clippers’ players wanted to bring in Westbrook.
I’ve talked to him just to kind of see where his head is and to see if there is anything I can do…I’m a big believer and a fan of what Russ’ work is, having one of the best seasons in my career alongside him. I’ve seen what he can do night in and night out. I think he can improve the team. He’s such a big talent. He rebounds, he finds guys, and he makes the game easy for everyone. I think he will come in, mesh, figure out how we play, and adjust to it.
Paul George about Russell Westbrook
Westbrook obviously has a history with Paul George from their days with the Oklahoma City Thunder
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I mean if there’s, you know, somebody out there -Russell,If it makes sense and obviously it goes with our team, we’re all for it. You know, we need a point guard. But you know, at the same time ,I think we’re good as well. If nothing happened, we got enough in this locker room to be able to make it work.
Paul George
The Clippers have only 21 remaining games in the regular season, but it’s the second most difficult schedule in the NBA. Opponents have a combined .523 winning percentage, and the Clippers play six games against the top three teams in the Western Conference.
How can Russell Westbrook make an impact in the Clippers?
Russell Westbrook is one of the most talented and dynamic players in the NBA. Known for his scoring ability, playmaking, energy, and rebounding, Westbrook has the potential to make a significant impact on any team he joins.
If he were to join the Los Angeles Clippers, there are several ways in which he could make a difference.
Firstly,
Westbrook could provide a significant scoring punch for the Clippers. While Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both excellent scorers, the Clippers sometimes struggle to score consistently, especially against elite defenses. Westbrook’s ability to get to the rim and finish could provide a much-needed boost to the Clippers’ offense. He has a career average of 23.3 points per game, making him one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. Westbrook’s ability to create his own shot and get to the free-throw line would add a new dimension to the Clippers’ offense and help them score more consistently.
Secondly,
Westbrook’s playmaking and ball-handling ability would also be a huge asset for the Clippers. With a career average of 8.5 assists per game, Westbrook is an excellent playmaker and could take some of the playmaking pressure off of Leonard and George. This would allow them to focus more on scoring and take advantage of their scoring abilities. Westbrook’s ball-handling skills would also allow him to create his own shot and make plays for others, giving the Clippers more versatility on offense.
Thirdly,
Westbrook’s intensity and energy on the court could be a significant factor in elevating the Clippers’ overall team energy. Westbrook is known for his competitive drive and willingness to play hard every game. His intensity and energy could be infectious, motivating his teammates to play at a higher level. This could be especially important during the playoffs, where intensity and energy can make all the difference.
Finally,
Westbrook’s rebounding ability could also be a huge asset for the Clippers. With a career average of 7.4 rebounds per game, Westbrook is an excellent rebounder, especially for a guard. The Clippers sometimes struggle with rebounding, especially on the defensive end. Westbrook’s ability to grab rebounds would help the Clippers secure more possessions and limit their opponents’ second-chance opportunities. This could be especially important during close games or in the playoffs, where every possession counts.
However, it’s worth noting that Westbrook’s impact on the Clippers would depend on how he fits in with the team’s current dynamic and system. The Clippers already have a strong core of players, including Leonard and George, who are used to being the primary scorers and playmakers. Westbrook would need to find a way to fit in with the team’s current system and make sure he’s not stepping on anyone’s toes. He would also need to adjust to playing with a new group of teammates and figure out how to best utilize his skills within the team’s overall strategy.
In conclusion, Russell Westbrook could make a significant impact on the Clippers if he were to join the team. His scoring ability, playmaking, energy, and rebounding would all be huge assets for the team. However, his impact would depend on how he fits in with the team’s current dynamic and system. If he can adjust to playing with a new group of teammates and find a way to maximize his skills within the team’s overall strategy, he could be a huge factor in the Clippers’ success.
