Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers has received a lot of negative attention and comments over the last several seasons with some people saying he is not a good, caring, and giving teammate.
But on Friday morning, he made a choice that put his team ahead of him.
Westbrook reportedly came to the Clippers coaching staff and offered to come off the bench as a way to help “accelerate the winning process,” according to Chris Haynes.
Commenting on that choice, Chris Broussard said: “Russell Westbrook – that’s a great, selfless teammate right there.”
Russell Westbrook – that’s a great, selfless teammate right there. https://t.co/tGP9q6inIm
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 17, 2023
According to Haynes’ report, Terance Mann will now start LA’s next game against the Houston Rockets.
As for Westbrook, he will come off the bench for the first time with the Clippers.
For years, Westbrook was an unquestionable starter during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Washington Wizards.
And he was a starter for a long time with the Los Angeles Lakers too, but last season head coach Darvin Ham made a change and turned him into the leader of that team’s second unit.
It worked out well for Westbrook, who looked comfortable and efficient coming off the bench.
However, when he was sent to the Clippers, he became a starter again and played with enthusiasm.
He ended up being one of the bright spots of the Clippers’ painful playoff run last season.
It was assumed Westbrook would remain a starter this year but the inclusion of James Harden has shaken things up.
Plus, the fact that the Clippers have now lost six games in a row means that something has to change.
Will the addition of Westbrook to the bench give the Clippers a much-needed boost?
If not, what else will head coach Tyronn Lue try?
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Insider Reveals Surprising Russell Westbrook Decision