?Grew Up Watching Him?: 26 YO NBA Star Who Idolized Russell Westbrook Shares an Anecdote of Playing With Him During His First Game

Russell Westbrook became a crucial piece for the Los Angeles Clippers following a buyout deal with the Utah Jazz. He was a late-season addition that turned out to be a game-changer. The Clippers were able to secure the fifth spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference thanks to the 34-year-old guard’s remarkable contributions. His performance even earned him an appraisal from the Clippers coach, Tyronn Lue.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old NBA Star who grew up idolizing Russell Westbrook recently shared an anecdote about playing alongside ‘Beastbrook’ in his debut game.

Clippers star shares an anecdote involving idol Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Clippers acquiring Russell Westbrook was just the move the team needed. The 34-year-old averaged 4.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists on an astounding 48.9% shooting in 30.2 minutes per game.

Prior to joining the Clippers, Westbrook had a difficult time finding his rhythm with the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot only 41.7% from the field and lost his spot in the starting lineup. Westbrook’s reunion with former Oklahoma City Thunder colleague Paul George in the Clippers, however, turned out to be a turning moment for him. This reunion revitalized his performance and turned him into a key player for the team.

The shift was significant, as foretold by his 26-year-old teammate, Terance Mann, who holds him in high regard. He recently appeared on an episode of Podcast P with Paul George, where he shared an anecdote of playing alongside his idol.

Terance Mann said, ?It was crazy for me. Just because I grew up watching him a lot, too.”

He revealed how he used to follow fan pages for Russell Westbrook. Mann still follows OKC on Facebook to this day. He even has the notifications turned on!

“So it?s just crazy being on the same team as him. Great teammate,” he said.

Mann then went on to recall his first time playing alongside Westbrook. He said, “I remember our first or second game together, he got subbed out, and he stood up and coached me the whole second quarter?didn?t sit down one time.?

And when asked if Russell Westbrook has the same energy during practice, he replied,

Mann’s respect for his idol is palpable. Hence, he would have been the happiest with the Clippers saving up Westbrook’s energy for two more years.

The Clippers re-sign Westbrook

The LA Clippers have signed veteran point guard Russell Westbrook to a two-year, $8 million contract. The Clippers have made a monumental move by bringing back a player with a strong influence from his prior tenure with the team with this acquisition. He started the final 21 games of the regular season, as well as all five playoff games of the team’s first-round series. His presence rapidly turned the team around.

The Clippers anticipate that Westbrook’s re-signing will improve their backcourt and roster as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. The athletic point guard’s contribution to the team and his rekindled partnership with Paul George are eagerly anticipated by both fans and pundits.

What are your thoughts on Westbrook? Let us know in the comments below!

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