via Getty
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 20: Russell Westbrook (0) of the Houston Rockets stands on the court against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
via Getty
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 20: Russell Westbrook (0) of the Houston Rockets stands on the court against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
When Russell Westbrook joined the Houston Rockets, it looked like he had a real chance at the championship after three full seasons with KD-less OKC. However, things didn’t really workout with his former teammate, James Harden. They lost in the Western Conference semifinals to Los Angeles Lakers. Fast forward to today: things look very different now.
The Rockets had a disappointing playoff run. Sensing turbulence in the front office, Westbrook demanded a trade.
The Rockets finally traded the 9-time All-Star to Washington Wizards and brought in John Wall. Brodie now joins Bradley Beal and will be determined to make the playoffs.
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Russell Westbrook finally ‘At Peace’ with Wizards move
Westbrook will again be the main point guard in the Wizards team. He also joins his former coach, Scott Brooks, who is familiar with his play style. So, Westbrook gets his preferred position and a coach who understands him. He must be happy with the move.
Longtime friend Donnell Beverly believes so. Beverly recently spoke with the Washington Times. He said, “We were looking at the second act of Russell’s career; what’s going to make him happy? What’s important?”
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2020; Washington, DC, USA; Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards brings the ball up the floor in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Carr/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
He added, “Really, it’s just being at peace. I don’t think that’s where he’s been the last few years. I don’t think he’s been at peace.”
What can we expect from the Westbrook and the Wizards
Russell Westbrook’s last season averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. The numbers look good on paper, but on court, things were not smooth sailing to say the least.
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Brodie tried to play off the ball but just could not fit the Rockets’ system. With James Harden on the ball, Westbrook was ineffective. With this trade, he surely will be the main man on the ball given his special connection with head coach Scott Brooks.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2020; Washington, DC, USA; Bradley Beal #3 and Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after Beal scored and was fouled in the first half of a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Carr/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Bradley Beal transcended into the spotlight as he became the second best scorer in the last season. He hasn’t played away from the ball for one and a half seasons now.
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It will be interesting to see how Beal fits with Westbrook and whether he can again transform himself into the player playing off- the ball.
The Wizards as a whole have some great attacking threat in Davis Bertans, Russell Westbrook, and Bradley Beal. They will be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, but their main concern will be the defense. If their defense can step up, they can cement themselves as a playoff team.
