Did the acquisition of James Harden ruin the Russell Westbrook magic for the LA Clippers?
With a disappointing end to his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, it very much appeared as if Russell Westbrook's NBA career was in need of a lifeline. He seemed to not fit in what the Lakers were doing and if he couldn't fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it was not a good sign for a veteran player.
However, his stint to close the season with the LA Clippers last season appeared to have changed things. Signing with the Clippers for the last 21 games of the regular season, Russ looked rejuvenated and, perhaps most importantly, his game fit with the team.
During the final 21 games of the season, Westbrook finished by averaging 16 points, eight assists, and five rebounds on 49 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range. It was a good sign and the hope was that Westbrook could carry that momentum into this season.
And if appeared as if did. Through the first five games of the season, Westbrook was averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on 52 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Then, the Clippers traded for James Harden. And now, Westbrook may find himself in a difficult situation.
Did the James Harden trade push Russell Westbrook out the door?
Since the Harden acquisition, Westbrook has struggled significantly. In the nine games with Harden in the Clippers' rotation, Westbrook is averaging just 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 37 percent shooting from the field and 21 percent shooting from 3-point range.
At this point, you have to feel for Westbrook. He's already made it clear that he's willing to do anything in an attempt to help make the team better. He reportedly informed the coaching staff that he would come off the bench in an attempt to help Harden flow better with the starting lineup.
It's clear that Westbrook is even willing to put himself in a worse situation to help the team if it works. Since that decision, the Clippers are 3-1 but Westbrook is struggling mightily.
The season is long and there's still plenty of basketball to play but it would be a real shame if Westbrook is never truly able to find his footing again with the Clippers. And if he doesn't, it's hard not to look at the Harden acquisition as the big reason why.