Russell Westbrook Opens Up About His Sacrifice Coming Off The Bench

Russell Westbrook recently expressed a profound comprehension of genuine sacrifice as he wholeheartedly embraces his role with the Los Angeles Clippers. In light of the team's initial challenges, Westbrook voluntarily opted to assume a bench position, demonstrating his readiness to make sacrifices for the team's overall improvement.

When speaking to All Clippers, he shared his thoughts on the situation.




This is the mentality you hope to see more NBA players adopt. For a former MVP like Westbrook, volunteering to come off the bench couldn't have been easy, but he recognized it was in the best interest of the team.

The reality was that the Clippers would face challenges with both Westbrook and James Harden starting. A sacrifice had to be made, and Westbrook ultimately made that decision. By doing so, the 35-year-old not only avoided putting the Clippers in an uncomfortable position but also deserves commendation for his selflessness.

This New Role Seems to be Working

Westbrook's statistics have noticeably declined since taking on a bench role. In the 16 games he has played in this new position, the nine-time All-Star has posted averages of only 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Surprisingly, despite Westbrook's diminished contributions, the Clippers boast an impressive 13-3 record in those games.

Furthermore, the team is currently riding an NBA-best eight-game winning streak, showcasing a remarkable turnaround. Initially, the Clippers struggled with a 0-5 record when both Harden and Westbrook were in the starting lineup. While it is conceivable that improvement could have occurred over time, the team's current success suggests that Westbrook's decision to move to the bench played a pivotal role.

If the Clippers manage to clinch the championship this season, much credit would be attributed to Westbrook. Despite his less-than-stellar individual performance, the decision to transition him to the bench could be viewed as the critical turning point for the Clippers, marking the path to a potential championship victory.

Westbrook Earns Praise from NBA Hall of Famer

Charles Barkley, an NBA legend and one of the all-time greats, acknowledges the qualities that define a great NBA player. Having become aware of the selfless decision made by another exceptional player, Westbrook, Barkley acknowledged him for his commendable choice.


In the past, many exceptional players have been reluctant to emulate Westbrook's readiness to do whatever it takes to win. He put aside his ego, prioritizing team success above all else.

Credits:
Fadeaway World