Another shocker recently engulfed the NBA Off-Season, as Russell Westbrook bids adieu to the LA Clippers after just one season! The 35-year-old is set to be brought in by the Utah Jaaz before he is again sent off to the 2023 champions Denver Nuggets. While his tenure was short-lived, he left a significant impact on the current Clippers roster, who will now have to go ahead without the veteran. One of them is now voicing out his reaction from the franchise’s brand-new $2 billion arena.

During the launch of the Halo Board at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome, point guard Terance Mann was asked about his reaction to Westbrook’s trade. The 27-year-old didn’t hesitate in highlighting that he and his teammates will now have to deal with a whole different dynamic. Plus, it doesn’t help that the franchise recently lost another one of its greats, Paul George, exactly two weeks ago to the Philadelphia 76ers.

“You know what Russ brought to the team, you know what PG brought to the team, you know,” said Mann. “It’s kinda sad that Russ isn’t here to help me feed off the fans. I loved doing that with him, that was one of my favorite things is being able to make big-time plays and, you know, getting fans engaged. His energy. So, Russ’s gonna be missed.”

Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann certainly developed a mentor-mentee type relationship during the brief period. Back in March 2023, a few weeks after signing on with the Clippers, he emphasized on placing priority on the young star’s development by stating “It’s very important [to me]… My job is to make sure I stay on him and continue to give him confidence… I’m just here to help and make sure I can be a springboard to him doing great things.” Mann, who highlighted being a fan of Westbrook since the latter’s initial NBA days, would have felt that great things would await the duo. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay long enough for the answer to be found out.

Mann’s remarks came just as the LA Clippers were enticing fans with a final sneak peek at the Intuit Dome before it officially opens on the 15 of August. As team owner Steve Ballmer and the players showcased the centrepiece of the arena, aka the Halo Board, Westbrook’s exit would certainly be on everyone’s mind. For Terance Mann, who instantly took to his Instagram to share pictures of him and the 9x NBA All-Star after the latter’s announcement, he deeply feels the absence of the player who brought passion as the vocal leader in the locker room. However, while the 27-year-old may have lost a player, he has certainly gained a new arena to play in.

Everything you need to know about the Intuit Dome

Built at the cost of $2 billion, the Intuit Dome over at Inglewood, California, will start hosting the Clippers games right from the upcoming season. Before that, however, it is set to host performances from renowned musicians Bruno Mars, Olivia Rodrigo, and Usher.

Described by Steve Ballmer as a “basketball mecca”, the open area around the dome comprises of a 80,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, regulation-size outdoor basketball court, and an amphitheater-styled staircase, quite similar to the iconic red stairs located in Times Square, New York. As for the arena itself, attendees can be kept updated about the score via the 360-degree scoreboard while sitting on seats that have charging amenities. Each of them also possesses four buttons on the armrest that gives fans free rein to participate in live competitions. The Halo Board also holds a T-Shirt Cannon that will pass the free merchandise as part of the long-running NBA tradition.

In an article published by the 9 of June, president of business operations Gillian Zucker emphasized on the need for good food to be present at the arena. As a result, she reportedly had Steve Ballmer try out 11 different types of hot dogs before finalizing the right one. Knowing how much Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry loves popcorn, she enlisted the player’s help by making him try 10 different options. Given that Curry had placed the Crypto.Com Arena, then known as the Staples Center, dead last in his rankings of ‘popcorn analysis of arena’, Zucker certainly didn’t wanted to end up dead last this time around.

The Intuit Dome is certainly set to be one of the highlights of the 2024-25 season. Additionally, it might help ease the sting for the Clippers roster in terms of Westbrook’s exit. Although, Terance Mann may take some time to get there.