This LA born, 9x NBA All Star, 2x NBA All Star MVP, 2x All NBA First Team, 5x All NBA Second Team, 2x All NBA Third Team, 2x NBA Scorning Champion, 3x NBA Assist leader named Russell Westbrook III is back in LA, this time where he belongs. Again I must mention that I am a Clipper fan, I’ve been a fan since ’94. I’ve seen a lot of Clippers teams, and even more Clippers players. I, like every other die-hard Clipper fan wants to see this team win one. I don’t even need them to win two. I just want them to win at least one, to say they did it. Dammit to say we did it, at this point I want a ring too. I kid, I kid.
Russell looks happy, he looks like he’s having a good time out there. I know that a lot can get lost in the business of the NBA, and players have more to do than just play basketball. And with social media being the juggernaut that it is, top athletes need to have a presence online. But watching Russ on and off the court he seems genuinely happy. And sure who wouldn’t be in his position, you get to do the thing you love and make millions while doing it. Just a quick google search tells you that Russell has made well over 300 million during his 16 seasons in the league. And with the glimpses into his personal life, he has a beautiful family. He seemingly has it all.
If you’ve watched Russell play at any point during these past 15 seasons then you’ll know his love for the game is unmatched. Russ is a hooper, personally I believe he will play ball in jean shorts at a family reunion, anytime, anywhere, he’s ready.
The first time Russ came back to play for Los Angeles he was a Laker. When Russ joined the recent championship winning Lakers, they had the power and talent to do it again. Led by the now reigning number one point scorer ever, Lebron James, maybe Russ, the hometown boy would win his first ring in his city, for his city. Could you imagine? Look I know winning a championship in any sport is difficult and is a tremendous feat. But, I can only imagine winning a championship, and your first NBA championship at that not only in your city, but for your city has to be that much sweeter. And in a city like Los Angeles and on a team which is known for winning and with the body of work Russ has built, he’d become royalty.
But that was not Russell’s story, during his time with the historic franchise he didn’t seem happy. And when you’re making that much money and not playing up to your expectations the fans turn on you. Not only fans from opposing teams and former teams, but fans from your current team. Some of the fans who pay a lot of money for their seats felt as if they could say anything to players. And Russell who throughout his career has been an unproblematic player. You ask any of his current and former teammates how he was as a teammate and you’d hear nothing but great stories. Sure he’s gotten his share of technical fouls but what real hooper hasn’t?
I believe that cussing at a fan should be allowed... to an extent. No you shouldn’t argue and go back and forth but, telling someone to STFU while you’re on the court if they get to be too much of an issue should be ok. Especially if they talk about your family. But I digress, playing in front of people who don’t like you is one thing, but playing in front of your hometown that doesn’t like you is a mind fuck. I don’t know what went on day to day in the locker room and at practices but even though Russ was home, he wasn’t home.
For me, Russ has always been one of those players that as a basketball fan was fun to watch. Watching him play in person is very different than watching him on television. Yes he’s fast on tv, but he’s even faster in person. And if you’re lucky enough to see him up close you have to keep you head on a swivel trying to keep up with the 6'4" point guard from UCLA. As a Clipper fan I hated every time we’d have to face him, who was going to keep up with him?
So when the Clippers were able to acquire Russ last season, I was fucking ecstatic. Some saw him as an out-dated model of himself, but real hoopers know that If you go to an LA Fitness, 24 hour fitness or even the YMCA you’re bound to find that crafty veteran, that elder statesman baller. Typically the best passers are the older guys. Have you seen Adam Sandler on the court, he knows how to get the ball where it needs to be. And what more can you ask for in a point guard? Although Russ is putting up nice numbers in the first five games of this season he’s averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals and we’re just getting started.
I don’t think Russ needs to have a “career year” for the Clippers to win a championship, If he’s able to stay healthy and consistent, he’s going to be a real problem for a lot of teams around the league. The Clippers this year are not only stacked with All-Stars, but they also have a deep bench. But the chemistry on this team seems different, there seems to be a true brotherhood. The culture that Ty Lue was able to help cultivate for this team along with the on the court and off the court leadership from PG and Kawhi is infectious. Just watching the players interact with each other, they seem to really enjoy spending time together. And that’s what a championship caliber team needs.
Watching Russ play in a Clippers uniform, he looks like he’s back out on the black top, where games were just as intense and of course you wanted to win. But it’s the love of the game that keeps you out there with your friends. It’s the friendly trash talk, its the full court press, it’s the “I bet you won’t hit that shot again.” That’s the basketball Russ is playing right now, he’s comfortable, he’s finally home.
A lot can be said about someone who was bringing in 40 mil to take a major pay cut to play for a team. The one thing that doesn’t need to be said is he wants a trophy. That’s the only thing his Hall of Fame career is missing. Sure there were greats who didn’t win (John Stockton, Elgin Baylor, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, Alex English, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing) but I don’t believe that’s going to be Russ’ story.
Right now, from a storyteller’s perspective, this Clippers team is setting up to be one of the greatest Cinderella stories in sports history. I’m happy that a solid player and all around good guy like Russell Westbrook is apart of this organization. Only time will tell if they can pull it off, and we’ll all be watching.
