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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Charles Barkley looks on prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Charles Barkley looks on prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have had a rollercoaster start to the season. While the season began strong, the James Harden trade put a wrench in proceedings. However, the team seems to be stabilizing now. Even though continuity and strong play from the likes of Kawhi Leonard have been reasons, Charles Barkley knows the primary one. To him, the contribution of Russell Westbrook has been far more than just on-court production.
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As a result, the Chuckster had to give a special mention to Russ’ leadership efforts.
Charles Barkley has a new favorite player
Despite his stock taking a dramatic hit during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook is going through a career renaissance. While his stint with the Lakers had him on the verge of leaving the league, the Clippers have given him a new spotlight.
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 10, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) and LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) react on the bench during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
But, more than his play on the court, it’s his leadership that deserves extra praise. While the team was going through a rough phase trying to figure out its 4-superstar configuration,?Brodie?was the one to make a sacrifice.
His selflessness made a fan in Barkley, who had a special message for him. “I wanna give a shout-out. This guy is one of my favorite players ever and he’s one of my favorite people. I wanna give a shoutout to Russell Westbrook…He’s confident enough, got enough self-esteem so like, ‘You know what? I’m gonna come off the bench.'”
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“For a guy who’s won MVP, gonna be in the Hall of Fame – Man, I love that guy as a player and I wanna give him a shoutout.”?
Charles Barkley on Russell Westbrook coming off the bench
“This guy is one of my favourite players ever. I wanna give a shoutout to Russell Westbrook. Who said hey this ain’t going to work and he is confident and self-esteem enough to say I’ll come off the bench. For a guy who’s… pic.twitter.com/28wegnrpuS
— ⚡️fan account (@TheWestbrookEra) November 22, 2023
The results due to Westbrook’s move have been tremendous. However, with a huge dip in his playing time, can the situation continue?
Is the Clippers’ renaissance sustainable?
After an 0-5 start to the Harden era, the Clippers are beginning to figure it out. But the main credit for the change goes to Russell. Despite his standing with the team and in the league, Westbrook asked to come off the bench in a selfless move to improve the team’s chemistry and continuity.
The results are there for all to see. However, over those 2 games, the 2017 MVP’s minutes have taken a dramatic dip. Where it was in the mid-30s, the drop has seen him linger in the high-10s and low-20s. With Westbrook’s propensity for competition, will low minutes suffice? Or are there more turns in the Clippers’ journey?
Written by
Edited by
Pragya Vashisth