NBA Trade Rumors: Analyst Stephen A. Smith urges LA Clippers to ignore Russell Westbrook citing deficiencies in Houston Rockets star's game
With the 2020-21 season right around the corner, franchises from around the league have sped up the pursuit of their desired prospects this off-season. This has caused NBA trade rumors on a number of players to go absolutely haywire.
One such player is Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook, who has been linked with several teams this off-season. The LA Clippers is one of them.
With the rumors gaining strength, ESPN's Stephen. A. Smith and Max Kellerman recently spoke on what they thought of the potential move.
NBA Trade Rumors: Stephen. A. Smith doesn't think LA Clippers are right for Russell Westbrook
Speaking on ESPN's 'First Take' analyst Stephen. A. Smith had this to say when asked about Russell Westbrook possibly moving to the LA Clippers,
"He is incredibly stubborn, and if you are Kawhi Leonard and you desperately need a quintessential point guard, that's not what Russell Westbrook is."
Despite this statement, it must be mentioned that Smith was quick to point out his admiration for Russell Westbrook before and after the quoted lines. But he also emphasized that he believed that the LA Clippers need a different kind of point guard than Russell Westbrook.
The second analyst on the show, ESPN's Max Kellerman, was quick to disagree with Stephen. A. Smith. He said that Westbrook has the ability to distribute the ball well, citing that Paul George's best season came alongside Russell Westbrook with the OKC Thunder.
Kellerman was also ecstatic about the fact that there was an opportunity to see Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the same team in the LA Clippers, and implied it could become one of the most, if not the most exciting teams in the entire NBA.
It is a fact that this move will be a huge gamble for both parties involved.
But with both the LA Clippers and Russell Westbrook perhaps the hungriest of all to win an NBA Championship in the near future, this may be a gamble worth taking for both sides.
Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: The case for and against the New York Knicks acquiring Russell Westbrook this off-season