Isaac
Years ago
Shams' sources:
Rockets' Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston
Houston has to ride it out, and it will take years.
The Rockets built themselves a championship window and, justifiably, made a series of win-now moves. But as the window started to close, the moves became more desperate and risky involving unprotected picks and multiple difficult-to-move long-term supermax deals. Now the title hasn't come and the window is almost completely closed, and the time to pay the piper is almost at hand.
Houston isn't too far away from having to move Harden and Westbrook for whatever they can get to recoup at least some of the losses in picks, young players, and/or cap space, and start again. But they're going to be in deficient regarding picks, young players, and/or cap space for quite a while.
Cram
Years ago
Westbrook for Griffin. Two big deals that are mostly dead weight (Griffin mainly through injuries).
If you're Houston you might be able to convince yourself that Griffin can get healthy and be a better #2 for Harden than Westbrook.
Detroit get a healthy star to fill their arena and with basically nobody else around to take the ball from him he goes back to his OKC numbers.
PlaymakerMo
Years ago
Harden "unsure" on the Rockets future as well.
The messed up thing is that not only did Houston give up significant assets to acquire Westbrook, they may need to give up more to offload him unless the perfect scenario presents itself. Westbrook's owed, what, ~$140m over 4 years into his 30s?
Morey is a smart dude. No wonder he jumped ship.
I can't see many suitors for Westbrook given his contract, decline in play and playing style.
Tjamu
Years ago
Russell Westbrook just had damn near a career year......
He put up 27-8-7 as the second option behind the most ball dominant player in the history of the game and shot at an efficient 47.4% which was almost 2% higher than his previous career high of 45.7% for a season. Shot threes at like 25% but shot 3 a game which in the "now NBA" is not a lot. After the all star break the guy was absurdly good and only played pretty meh in the bubble. Taking into account he'd popped a quad and was fresh off having the virus.
People slander Westbrook because they're told to, not because they should. This years Russ was relentless and played good ball.....
Watch a team low ball the rockets. and If he goes to a bad team where hes the only legit star, watch him still average a 25+ point near triple double and still be wayyyy too fast, strong and athletic for your favourite player to guard.
Tjamu
Years ago
Russell Westbrook just had damn near a career year......
He put up 27-8-7 as the second option behind the most ball dominant player in the history of the game and shot at an efficient 47.4% which was almost 2% higher than his previous career high of 45.7% for a season. Shot threes at like 25% but shot 3 a game which in the "now NBA" is not a lot. After the all star break the guy was absurdly good and only played pretty meh in the bubble. Taking into account he'd popped a quad and was fresh off having the virus.
People slander Westbrook because they're told to, not because they should. This years Russ was relentless and played good ball.....
Watch a team low ball the rockets. and If he goes to a bad team where hes the only legit star, watch him still average a 25+ point near triple double and still be wayyyy too fast, strong and athletic for your favourite player to guard.
Cram
Years ago
Keep in mind Westbrook had those numbers while largely playing sets of 4-on-3 as teams over doubled on Harden at half court. They were happy to give Westbrook a 4 on 3 if it meant giving Harden no opportunity.
Westbrook has a crazy amount of talent, obviously, but his strengths don't necessarily contribute towards consistent winning.
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