"Exemplary class president" Russell Westbrook - the perfect piece of the LA Clippers?
Russell Westbrook may have been seen as the villain during his bad times with the Los Angeles Lakers, but things went much smoother after the defender grabbed his backpack and walked across the arena. crypto.com, which competes for the Los Angeles Clippers.
"He's an exemplary class president," a source told Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney. "He supports the younger players, and is very good at leading the dressing room. Everyone likes Westbrook. He is very comfortable and that shows on the pitch."
The 34-year-old has been in commendable form for the Clippers, averaging 15.2 points and 7.8 assists per game in 18 appearances. Compared to when he was a regular substitute for the Lakers, Westbrook raised his shot accuracy rate to 6.7%, and the 3-point success rate to 2.6%.
The difference seems to come from the Clippers' playstyle being more suitable for Westbrook.
"They are letting Russ be Russ, that's what many in the professional world have been talking about," an assistant coach at the West analyzed. "The Lakers brought in Russell and tried to turn him into another player, trying to force him into an inappropriate role. A lot of problems occurred in the process, but the Lakers completely ignored Westbrook.
The reason may lie in the fact that the biggest stars of the LA Clippers are Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, players who do many things but are not true attacking superstars. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook was too used to holding the ball in his hand to deploy attacks since his time at OKC.
By comparison, when given a similar role at the Washington Wizards, Westbrook excelled and became a leader. But at the Lakers, he had to give the role to LeBron James. And with the inefficiency during off-ball, Brodie suddenly became a "black hole".
That mismatch led to a face-to-face relationship that was not contented before Westbrook parted ways with the Lakers. But even so, few blame him - a player who has never left a reputation in the dressing room.
"Westbrook has never left a bad reputation in the way he behaves with his teammates," one league executive told Deveney. "While you may not like Russ' play, he has always been respected off the pitch."
Over the years, the Los Angeles Clippers have consistently brought in quality players, but despite having the duo Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and formidable player roles, they don't often go deep in the Playoffs. A locker room leader like Russell Westbrook could be just what they need to fulfill their dream of winning the NBA.
