Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers recently compared his current team to the Boston Celtics squad that he coached to a championship in 2008, stating that the 76ers remind him of that title-winning group in terms of their chemistry and potential for success. In contrast, Rivers also made remarks about his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, during his seven-year tenure as their coach from 2013 to 2020, suggesting that they lacked the necessary cooperation and chemistry to win a championship.

But there is some new light on the matter that includes Russell Westbrook’s presence in the Clippers. Rivers acknowledged that the Clippers, despite their talent and athleticism, were unable to achieve playoff success during his time with the team. They experienced early playoff exits, with three first-round and three second-round departures, and missed the playoffs altogether in one season due to injuries. Rivers attributed the team’s lack of success to their inability to get along well as a group, emphasizing the importance of cooperation for a team to win.

Now in recent news, Stephen A. Smith, a prominent NBA analyst and commentator. has made a bold claim about Russell Westbrook. He discussed the pressure on Russell Westbrook, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Stephen A. Smith calls for recognition of Russell Westbrook’s legacy

Smith acknowledged Westbrook’s talents and achievements but highlighted the lack of championships in his career. He mentioned that Westbrook is considered one of the greatest athletic talents in NBA history, particularly at the point guard position, but has yet to win a championship.

On his show, First Take, Smith said, “This is not disrespect. He’s a Hall of Famer, and I respect the brother because I know a lot of things he’s doing off the court. Russell Westbrook’s a real one. Mad love and respect for that brother. We’re just talking basketball. This is one of the greatest talents we’ve ever seen athletically at the point guard position and arguably in NBA history. One of the talents, one of the athletic talents, where all of those teammates, you don’t have one single Championship to show for it.”

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He emphasized his point by saying, “Why not Russell Westbrook? I’m sorry, he’s got to be in that conversation because I don’t view him as a scrub. I don’t view him as somebody who can’t play anymore. When he landed with the Los Angeles Clippers, I was one of the people that stood up and said, ‘This is a great move for him.’…This is what it is. Why can’t we be talking about Russell Westbrook?”

He also pointed out Westbrook’s relationship with Kendrick Perkins and said to Perkins who was also on the show, “They were talking about this could be the end for his brother, because I know how much you love him, his former teammate. You literally sat up there and said months ago, ‘This could be the end for him if he doesn’t get his ship stirred in the right direction.’ You said all that.”

8x All-Star, Who Publicly Vouched for Russell Westbrook, Sighed in Relief After Clippers’ Star Saved Him From Playing the ‘Black Stallion’

Smith went on to detail Westbrook’s position as a Clipper.

Westbrook is adding intensity and energy to a championship-caliber team

Smith also mentioned that Westbrook’s move to the Clippers was initially seen as a great move for him, as the team was perceived to have the right pieces, including exceptional coaching from Ty Lue, strong leadership from Steve Ballmer and talented players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Terance Mann. Smith noted that Westbrook’s energy, athleticism and reliability could bring a new level of intensity to the team, which sometimes lacks the fiery presence that Westbrook embodies.

Watch this story: Russell Westbrook vs Stephen Curry: What do the Numbers Say on Who’s the Better Point Guard?

Smith further emphasized that Westbrook’s playing style contrasts with that of Leonard, who is known for his quiet and composed demeanor on the court. Westbrook, on the other hand, is often described as an “Energizer bunny” with a relentless and aggressive playing style. Smith argued that Westbrook’s dynamic presence could potentially fill a void in the Clippers’ lineup and provide the team with the necessary spark to compete at a higher level.