Hailing Russell Westbrook For Shedding “Hard-Headed” Ways, Veteran Analyst Warns Clippers of “Last Real Chance”

Since joining the NBA in 2008, we’ve known Russell Westbrook as one of the most dedicated players. Sometimes, his hunger to win can come as a bit too strong. He has sometimes been branded as a selfish person who cares more about netting triple-doubles than about winning games for the team. However, people fail to understand that these points are the ultimate reason that helps a team win!

The nine-time NBA All-Star’s rocky relationship with the media does not help his case either. He has been described as rude and rebellious for his actions during the press conferences. So, the small rumors only add more fire for them to peddle news in his disfavor. However, many of his current and former teammates have always spoken in high regard of him. Now he has one more person on his side.

Analyst commends Russell’s attitude

When talking on NBA Countdown, veteran analyst Michael Wilbon shared his take on the current situation in the LA Clippers camp. He commended Russell’s move to not be in the starting line-up but rather to give it up for James Harden. This speaks of his magnanimous way of the team-first mindset.

Wilbon explained, “This is the last real chance … you still got four competitive Hall of Famers in the same lineup at the same time with a darn good coach on that sideline, if they’ll pay attention to what he’s trying to instill. But I give Russ credit for recognizing ‘okay, all right. I can be hard-headed again this late in my career or I could make this sacrifice”.

Michael also added that having both Russell and Harden on the hardwood is not a good strategy for the team. He added, “He and James can’t be out there at the same time. I mean, we know that James can be a tremendous playmaker when he wants to be. But it’s the way he wants to do it which means he going to be hanging onto the ball deep in the possessions.”

Using this method, while having Westbrook on the court at the same time, would be a problem, Michael shared.

Russell has mastered losing himself in the team

Another sports analyst and former player, Kendrick Perkins, also chimed in with his observations. He added that his M.O. has always been ‘lose yourself in the team’ during his time with the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. Perkins pointed out that Westbrook had already done it with the Clippers, something Harden has never done in his career.

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He also added, “Yes, we applaud Russell Westbrook and his sacrifice of coming in off the bench. But he had no choice. Kawhi Leonard, 45 million he’s making this year. Paul George 45 million, James Harden 35 million. Russell Westbrook 3.8 million. Why do I bring that up? Because it goes over a lot of people when I say that the front office has something to say to the head coach.” He finished by sharing that this could also be one of the main reasons for his sacrifice.

What is your opinion on the Harden-Clippers team? Let us know in the comments.

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