Comments on: Russell Westbrook Return to Clippers Not Set in Stone

By: Robert Flom

Robert Flom — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:31:08 +0000

I’m notably down on Russ but I don’t know what team will pay him

By: Tyler

Tyler — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 03:11:44 +0000

Nevermind, Memphis went for the cheaper option with DRose

By: Tyler

Tyler — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 03:00:08 +0000

If he ain’t returning, I think Sacramento should consider him and he should consider Sacramento. Excellent fit, he could get suitable money. Miami – perfect cultural fit, great coaching, on-court fit in question, no money. Still solid enough because I’m sure he’d be happy in that competitive environment. Bucks lose Jevon Carter, Lopez ain’t resigned yet – is there enough shooting that he fits them and they fit him? Bucks and Miami (lost Vincent, Strus not re-signed yet) makes sense to wait what happens. Clippers may do a Harden trade, Sacramento might prioritize trying to get Reaves. I think puzzle pieces like Harden, Brook Lopez, Reaves have to fall in place first before it’s Russ’ turn. He’s probably the next after them – or taking a lot of time and accepting like an MLE deal or even a bi-annual exception if it means playing for a good team.

Memphis also needs a backup now. Smart – similar mindset. Steven Adams there. Not enough shooting and he can’t play next to Ja, Smart, Adams, it would be strictly a backup role. But I’m not ruling out playing next to Bane, Konchar, Aldama, JJJ/Clarke while Ja and Smart rest. Could fill in 25 games for Morant, provide leadership and grit together with Smart. If the Ja situation totally escalates, Russ offers help transitioning to something else while remaining somewhat competitive. Deem other teams more likely but Memphis could do worse than signing Russ for two years.

By: Goons 1

Goons 1 — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:15:43 +0000

As much as I’d like to have Russ back, I don’t think he’d work If Zu is back, with James on the team. Russ would have to buy in & come off the bench. I love the Russ & Mann pairing but we don’t know who’s going & who’s staying in the Harden deal

By: Lucas Hann

Lucas Hann — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:21:37 +0000

Cips have a hard time scoring with Russ on the floor, him being the 4th most talented on-ball player in the lineup is gonna be a mess.

Not only do I think he looks to leave if the Clippers bring in Harden, but I don’t think they should even entertain bringing him back if Harden comes.

By: Stanman

Stanman — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:32:34 +0000

I suppose with Norm probably a part of the Harden trade then Russ, if he is back, ‘may’ move into that sixth man role?

I only say that as Kawhi is unlikely to move to PF and we know PG won’t fit there for long periods.

By: Goons 1

Goons 1 — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:16:06 +0000

I still think there’s an understanding amongst the 4 to make it work. Lots of sacrificing will need to be had, especially from Russ & Harden, but they can def make it work. I’m not worried about the defense as long as they defend when they need to & get timely stops. I worry more about the offense, if changes aren’t made at the center position, which looks less & less likely.

As for Russ taking his time, like some have said, there’s no rush for him to resign knowing what the offer is. I think he’ll be back. 4 LA kids bringing the Clippers it’s 1st title would be everything!

By: osamu6238

osamu6238 — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 02:04:34 +0000

Feels like not a surprise, as he needs to take time to see what other offers are out there. No reason to commit to playing for the minimum when you can wait to see what team offers you the MLE.

Still think it’s likely he comes back for the minimum. Not sure what his relationship with Harden is like after the Rockets stint, but it always felt like they were still friends, just maybe their games didn’t fit well together. Maybe there is some understanding that if Harden ends up in LA, that Russell also might be relinquished to a bench role which he’s not ready to accept yet, so I guess that could play a factor.

Still think at this stage in his career, feels like Russ would factor in the fit, trust in Ty (to give him playing time), and his family and staying in LA has a lot of positives which will play a major factor if the money is pretty much the same.

By: John Maclean

John Maclean — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:45:31 +0000

I think there are a few more shoes to drop before we can gauge what Russ will do. I’m not ruling out him following PG to Philly if we cast a wider net on a Harden/Tobias package. NOTE: Harden wears #13:-)

Ideally, you’d want a big three of KL, PG and JH, and if that’s the case I just can’t see Russ fitting into that to his satisfaction.

A far as being slow goes that’s baked in to 213 now with their age which is why I like the idea of Harden and initIally CP3 too. We will be looking to walk the ball up slowly and surgically and score at a high efficiency rather than hang our hat on defense. The Rockets got close in 2017 with this approach but fell just short. Not my favorite brand of basketball but better than having no identity at all.

Wondering if Christian Wood could be tempted to sign on if we land Harden? He would fit this three-and-no-D chemistry pretty well.

By: dhpat

dhpat — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 23:58:20 +0000

Assuming PG and KL are only playing 50 games during the season, are the Clippers really going to let T. Mann and Bones run the ship?

I really hope T. Mann and Bones take up most of the guard minutes.

But, if he can come back on MLE, Russ showed that he can run the team when KL and PG are sitting.