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“Do His Job Every Night”: After Reunion Plans With James Harden Came Crashing Down, Russell Westbrook Shares Kind Words for 3x NBA Champion

Published 09/18/2023, 3:13 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

James Harden’s plans have gone south. Since he has wanted out of the Philadelphia 76ers, not much has turned his way. He agreed to opt in the final year of his two-year $68 million deal, in hopes of getting traded. But the 76ers organization isn’t entertaining his wishes. The Guard wanted to go to the Clippers, but the Franchise refused to take him. This has put a question mark on the value of the player who led the league in assists last season.

His wish to reunite with Russell Westbrook for the second time has crashed down. 

Russell Westbrook praises an incredible role-player

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Westbrook has played with some of the best players ever. Kevin Durant was his long-time partner in the Oklahoma City Thunder. He went to battles with Harden as a Thunder teammate and also as a Rockets Guard. He played with LeBron James for a season and a change, in a rather underwhelming experience.

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After the Lakers traded him, the Guard found a new home in the Clippers. They brought him back for an insanely low price of below $5 million a year. However, money doesn’t seem to be the priority right now for the athlete who has a net worth that runs over at least $200 million.

USA Today via Reuters

Now, with the Clippers, he has another maestro of this era; Kawhi Leonard. But instead of turning his praise to such phenoms, he has directed his admiration towards a role player; Kevon Looney. The Warriors’ starting Center has served the team for eight seasons now and has helped them win three championships. As a help defender in the middle, he makes things happen through his rebounding and hustle. Therefore, the Guard had huge praise for him. During a training camp organized by NBA trainer Rico Hines, Westbrook came face to face against Looney. During the break in play, the Guard had some strong words. He commanded everyone’s attention to laud Looney.

He stated, “He is in the league a long time for a reason, man. Not because he’s super athletic. All these crazy tricks. But he do his job, man. Do his job every night. He’ll tell ya know do your job every night”. These comments highlight the worth and work ethic of Looney.

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Kevon Looney coming off a great season

Last season, he averaged a career-high 24 minutes, 9.3 rebounds, seven points, and 2.5 assists per game. In the Playoffs, he gobbled up an impressive 13.1 rebounds a game and helped the Warriors’ rebounding woes to his best abilities.

USA Today via Reuters

More than these numbers, the Center has intangibles that make for a successful starting Center. Will he continue to enjoy a big role for the Warriors next season?

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Written by:

Shubham Singh

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Shubham is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He became a fan of the NBA in late 2000s and his interest skyrocketed after Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in Six Games during 2011 NBA Finals. He loves looking into playing styles of different players and teams while also trying to analyse what circumstances shape a typical NBA game.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja