The Los Angeles Clippers made a big splash a few years ago when they landed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It hasn’t gone according to plan. Due to injuries and the strength of the conference, the Clippers haven’t had much success. Last year, they collected a bunch of talent, adding James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Many wondered what Westbrook would do as he had been relegated to a bench role. The nine-time All-Star decided to pick up his option for the 2024-25 season.
Russell Westbrook Returning To Los Angeles Clippers
Russell Westbrook did not accept his bench role when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he embraced the role with the Los Angeles Clippers. He started to come off the bench on November 17, and the team was 35-13 with him in that role. While his 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists is a far cry from the numbers in his prime, it proved invaluable for the Clippers off the bench. Westbrook spoke about the role back in March.
“I will do whatever the team needs me to do,” Westbrook told ESPN back in March. “My play, I’m always confident in wherever I go. If I’m here [with the Clippers], if I’m [with another team], it doesn’t really matter. I’ll do whatever the team is asking me to do and I’ll compete to do what needs to be done. My confidence doesn’t change. I’ve always been a team-first guy… Whatever’s asked of me, I’ll do it.
“I’m extremely confident in my abilities to be able to do and play at the highest level, still be elite [at] a lot of things in the league and come off the bench or starting, it don’t matter.”
Many wondered whether he would leave the Los Angeles Clippers to try and chase a starting role. This isn’t the case, as he picked up his $4 million option. Chances are he will remain on the bench and could be a dark horse contender for Sixth Man of the Year.
Outlook For Next Season
The Los Angeles Clippers have many decisions to make. Paul George is now a free agent, and while the team will try to re-sign him, there is no guarantee he will be back. Kawhi Leonard is already on a contract extension but his health history makes his availability constantly in question. Russell Westbrook coming back is actually good news for the Clippers. If nothing else, they have the leader of their bench unit, which is an essential part of any team.
The Los Angeles Clippers have their hands full this offseason. The Western Conference is as good as ever, with teams like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Denver looking strong again for next year. Ultimately, this team’s future hinges on what happens with Paul George, but it is nice to have Russell Westbrook back.
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