The NBA trade deadline has passed, but the dust is not settled. By March 1st, teams will need to make the decision on whether they will buy out or waive players. One of those players in question is former Laker guard Russell Westbrook. The Utah Jazz acquired Westbrook in a three-team trade. However, there is a chance that Westbrook will not play for Utah. Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report reported that the LA Clippers would have interest in Westbrook if a buyout is reached. But the question is, should the Clippers pursue him?
Should the LA Clippers Pursue Russell Westbrook?
The point guard position continues to haunt the Clippers. After acquiring Eric Gordon and Bones Hyland, they added some offensive juice. However, they still do not have a true floor general to run the offense. One might argue that they should have swung on one during the deadline. They most likely did, whether it was Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry, but intentions do not always lead to results. So without a true point guard on the roster, what’s next?
Westbrook is a viable option in a not-so-impressive point guard buyout market. But will adding him be the same as what they had with John Wall? Both are downhill-attacking point guards who lack a consistent outside jump shot. However, Westbrook started to play better once he was relegated to the bench on the Lakers. On this Clippers roster, he could potentially start. Westbrook is better than Wall, but the fit seems comparable. So whether the team should go after him is a question. He has flaws in his jump shot, decision-making, and defense. But he can also give the team more rebounding, playmaking, and downhill juice. Something they desperately need.
A Welcome Addition
It’s no secret how some Clipper players view him on the team. “If somebody’s out there — Russell — it would definitely improve our team… hopefully Russell sees this”, Paul George said in postgame availability. George and Westbrook were teammates in Oklahoma City, where George finished third in Defensive Player of the Year and MVP voting. This season, George is taking on the point guard responsibility, but it appears he is seeking some help to alleviate the workload. George and Westbrook had a good relationship in OKC, so maybe he can recruit the former UCLA Bruin to the other LA team.
“I want him to come,” said forward Marcus Morris in the same postgame availability. Morris, another starter, is being asked to generate offense. Even more so when Kawhi Leonard misses games. Two starters campaigning for a player to come sends a pretty clear message on what their desires are. Head coach Ty Lue prefers a traditional point guard in his rotation. So maybe the addition of Westbrook helps all parties? Or not. Either way, the addition of Westbrook would be a roller coaster. If he can buy-in and accept any role, then there should not be harm in adding him. But if he cannot adapt, then the Clippers should steer clear of the former league MVP.
