- Russell Westbrook shone after joining the Los Angeles Clippers last season
- Westbrook surprisingly opted to re-sign with the Clippers this offseason on a team-friendly deal
- Head coach Tyronn Lue revealed what Westbrook’s role would be next season
In just a few months with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, Russell Westbrook showed he is still capable of playing at a high level. Westbrook impressed one and all with his play, including head coach Tyronn Lue.
Lue has been singing the nine-time All-Star’s praises ever since he joined the team. Lue said Westbrook saved their season and is understandably pleased to have him back. He also recently revealed what Russ’ role with the team will be next season.
“I view him as a starter, view him as a starter and, you know, kind of just see how it plays out,” Lue said, via The Los Angeles Times. “… We needed his energy, we needed his firepower and so he was really good for us. My vision right now is to stay how we were before PG got hurt and see what happens.”
Westbrook provided some much-needed energy on the court for the Clippers and gave their locker room a jolt that it really required. Paul George stated that Westbrook changed the whole culture in that short period of time last season.
Russ was the full-time starter immediately upon joining and averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in 21 outings. Those were some solid numbers, but it was the playoffs where Russ really shone.
With George already out and Kawhi Leonard getting injured in Game 2, Westbrook took over. The Clippers would lose to the Phoenix Suns in five games, but the 34-year-old averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Tyronn Lue Told Gilbert Arenas The Clippers Didn’t Have A Leader Before Westbrook
Considering how well the former MVP closed out the season, the Clippers weren’t sure they’d be able to get him back. Even they were perhaps a bit surprised that Westbrook re-signed on a two-year, $8 million deal. They are glad he is here, though, with Gilbert Arenas stating that Lue told him the Clippers didn’t have a leader before Westbrook arrived.
It perhaps explains why the team has never quite lived up to expectations all these years, although injuries have certainly been a big factor as well. Time is fast running out for this group, as next season might just be their last shot, and we’ll find out how much of a difference having Westbrook around for the whole season makes.
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