Russell Westbrook says he understands the definition of true sacrifice as he fully embraces his role with the Los Angeles Clippers. Westbrook requested to come off the bench for the Clippers, considering the team’s early struggles and he says he is willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team.
“I’ve been in the league so long, I understand the definition of true sacrifice and understanding what that looks like,” Westbrook told AllClippers. “Sometimes it might not be how you want it, but if it’s for the betterment of the team, that’s the most important part. This is a team game, and I know the most important goal – that’s to win a championship.”
That is the mindset that you wish more players in the NBA had. It wouldn’t have been easy for a former MVP like Westbrook to volunteer to come off the bench, but he realized that’s what’s best for his team.
The fact of the matter was that the Clippers were going to struggle with both Westbrook and James Harden in the starting lineup. One of them had to make the sacrifice and it ended up being Westbrook. With it being his own decision, the 35-year-old also ensured the Clippers weren’t put in an awkward position, and I can’t praise him enough for that.
The Clippers Have Taken Off Since Westbrook Went To The Bench
Westbrook’s numbers have obviously taken a hit now in this role off the bench. In his 16 outings in the new role, the nine-time All-Star is averaging just 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, but the Clippers have a 13-3 record in them.
They are also now on an NBA-best eight-game winning streak and have well and truly taken off. The Clippers were 0-5 with Harden and Westbrook in the starting lineup and I do believe things would have gotten better with time. They would not have been as good as they are now, though, had Westbrook not requested to be taken out of the starting lineup.
If the Clippers do end up going all the way this season, then I would give a lot of the credit to him. Westbrook’s numbers won’t be great, but years down the road, we would look back at that decision as the turning point for the Clippers, if they finally win that elusive championship this season.
Charles Barkley Praised Russell Westbrook For Being Selfless
Charles Barkley certainly knows a thing or two about being a great player in the NBA, having gone down as one of the all-time greats. So, when he heard about this decision made by another great player, Barkley praised Westbrook for being selfless.
“This guy is one of my favorite players ever and one of my favorite people. I wanna give a shout-out to Russell Westbrook,” said Barkley. “Who said, ‘Hey this ain’t going to work’ and he is confident and self-esteem enough to say I’ll come off the bench. For a guy who’s won MVP and who’s gonna be in the Hall of Fame. I love that guy as a player.”
We have seen so many great players in the past stubbornly refuse to do what Westbrook willingly did here. He put his ego aside and focused on what was most important, team success.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
