Since leaving the OKC Thunder years ago, Russell Westbrook has become a repeated target of hate and criticism for the NBA community. Thanks partly to his inefficient play style and unapologetic personality, he rubs a lot of fans the wrong way, and his reputation sank to an all-time low after the Lakers dumped him earlier in the season.
Now, with the Clippers, Westbrook is proving his worth once again as he turns back the clock to lead a shorthanded team. The Clippers are down in the series to Phoenix, of course, but his play has been enough to earn some serious recognition, including from his West rival, Draymond Green.
“I’m so f*cking tired of people disrespecting Russ… Russell Westbrook is an MVP. Russell Westbrook is a perennial All-Star. Russell Westbrook is a legend and a Hall of Famer… stop disrespecting that man like he’s not him. He’s having an incredible series.”
Draymond Green On Russell Westbrook
"I'm so f*cking tired of people disrespecting Russ… Russell Westbrook is an MVP… Russell Westbrook is a Legend… Russell Westbrook is a Hall of Famer, Stop disrespecting that man like he's not him."
(H/T Draymond Green's podcast) pic.twitter.com/4oF9piiqKu
— dame (@damevercetti) April 24, 2023
With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both out with injuries, the burden has fallen to Russ to somehow lead his troops to victory against a Suns team that has some of the best players in the league.
He’s done pretty well so far, including a 37-point performance on Saturday, but it hasn’t been enough to avoid losses in the series.
Did The Lakers Misuse Westbrook?
Russ resurgence has a lot of Lakers fans questioning why they never saw this version of him on the Purple and Gold. Part of it was being a poor fit on the court surrounded by non-shooters, but perhaps it was also about the complications of being a new star on a struggling Lakers team.
“Asking Russ to be a 3-and-D guy is like asking Wilt [Chamberlain] to be a point guard,” the scout said via Andrew Grief. “With the Clippers it is the same city, lower expectations, less pressure. He is value-added.”
Whatever the case, Russ has seemingly found a permanent role in Clipper land, and it’s one where he can thrive playing basketball his way and free from unnecessary pressure.
Now that he’s free and playing his best basketball in years, we’re finally seeing some fans, and his peers, give him the recognition and respect he deserves.
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