News from the Clippers: Russell Westbrook Is Supposedly Considering His Big Free Agent Option
His days as a superstar are long gone, even if he can occasionally still have a significant impact on the game. After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook has evolved into more of an upscale journeyman. In recent years, he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and now the Los Angeles Clippers. However, he might be moving teams once more come off the trade deadline.
After the Clippers’ disastrous season, which saw them eliminated in the opening round, Westbrook must make some important choices. He has a $4 million player option remaining on his deal with Los Angeles, but his inability to settle into a regular position as the Clippers’ sixth man might factor into matters. The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Law Murray described Westbrook’s grievances from the previous campaign, adding that he may try to find a new home this summer.
“Does the nine-time All-Star and former MVP want to continue in this kind of limited role while playing on a veteran’s minimum deal, or might he have played his way into a better opportunity elsewhere?” Murray and Amick inquired.
“Considering the challenges that came with him being relegated to a reserve role, with team and league sources indicating that the process was far more challenging behind the scenes than team officials had made it appear publicly, the answer may very well be the latter.”
When the ball is in his hands and he can make a play or take it to the hoop, Westbrook is at his best. The problem is that he won’t be a star player on a team that is in contention any longer.
Although his drive to succeed could be too strong, he might be better suited to start as the starting point guard for a club that isn’t trying to win a championship. Law and Amick also pointed out that he had some unsettling career-low results in 2018, which might have an effect on his free agency.
“This season, Westbrook experienced a great deal of influence and significant moments, but he also recorded career lows in minutes (22.5 per game), points (11.1), and assists (4.5). He had a terrible game against Dallas, averaging only 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on just 26% of his field goal attempts.”
Throughout his career, he has received numerous honors, but never a title. After attending one NBA Final in 2012, Westbrook has not returned. Even with all of his greatness, his game’s flaws will also be remembered. It’s a shame, as he is among the NBA’s best point guards ever, but it can be difficult to convey a tale without including everything.