30. Russell Westbrook
As unfortunate as it may sound, there’s a very real chance that we may never see Russell Westbrook in the NBA again. He’s going to be 35 in November and it wouldn’t be that outlandish to say that he may have played his last game in the Association. However, if he does have one more run in him, it will likely be for a contender in a backup role – similar to the role that he was in during the final stretch with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Even though he started for the LA Clippers over the last 21 games of the season, I don’t believe that’s a realistic outcome for Russ heading into next season. It was a unique circumstance that’s unlikely to arise for him this summer. The Clippers could be an option for Russ to continue his career if he wants. He seems to have supporters in that locker room; if Russ would agree to come off the bench, I’m not really sure why it wouldn’t work.
Short of the Clippers hitting the reset button this summer, Russ should be a player they could bring back. It’s far from a guarantee but I’d imagine they wouldn’t be opposed to it with how good he was for the team down the stretch.
Prediction: LA Clippers