2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is confident of finding his old self and helping the Los Angeles Clippers become championship contenders.
Westbrook averaged a triple-double in four consecutive seasons from 2016-17 through 2019-20, but his output has declined since then. His first season with the Lakers was poor and his second season wasn’t much better.
However, Westbrook believes he can find redemption with the Clippers. He’s expected to be the team’s starting point guard and main organizational core, and he’s excited about the opportunity to help Paul George and Kohwai Leonard lead the Clippers to a championship.
“Everybody represents that I’m going to come back to me. For me, I’m the only one who gets to make the rules of the game,” Westbrook said at his training camp press conference.” Back to myself, average need 21/11/12 …… Not too many people have done that, other than myself and others. And I’m the only one who’s done it four times.”
Westbrook’s organizational skills will be key to the Clippers’ success. He’s one of the best passers in the NBA and he can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He can also score on his own, especially at the rim and from the mid-range.
The Clippers have a lot of talent on their roster, but they have struggled to stay healthy in recent years. If Westbrook can stay healthy and play at a high level, the Clippers will be a dangerous team in the Western Conference.
In addition to Westbrook, George, and Leonard, the Clippers have a number of other solid players including Terrence Mann, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, and Mason Plumlee. Head coach Tyronn Lue will need to effectively utilize his roster depth to help his team win games and keep the starters energized.
The Clippers aren’t touted as one of the top teams in the Western Conference, but they have the potential to surprise. If Westbrook can return to form and the team stays healthy, the Clippers will be a strong contender for the NBA championship.
