Gilbert Arenas Suggests Sixers Should Consider Russell Westbrook

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is currently rostered with the Utah Jazz. Whether he ever suits up for the rebuilding Western Conference team or not is currently unclear.

All signs point towards Westbrook becoming a free agent sometime soon. Several teams were rumored to be interested in the former MVP guard, but teams aren't scratching and clawing for his services at the moment.

To a former player like Gilbert Arenas, that idea is outlandish. In the eyes of Arenas, Westbrook could immediately impact a contender’s chances of winning the NBA title as a reserve guard, playing a role similar to how he did on the Lakers.

On the latest episode of ’No Chill with Gilbert Arenas’ on Fubo Sports, the former NBA standout noted a handful of teams that he believes would become immediate favorites to win the championship if they scooped up Westbrook today.

Along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Arenas mentioned the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks as teams that should take a look into acquiring Westbrook.

Here are Arenas’ thoughts:

“You're talking about a guy who played off the bench. He came off the bench averaging 16, seven and six. Names someone on your bench that is even capable. At least 20 starters is not capable of it, let alone a bench player coming off averaging 16. Two years ago, averaged a triple double. You know what he’s capable of, so why wouldn’t I want that coming off my bench? This man alone changes who wins the championship this year. Believe it not. … If he goes to Boston, you don’t think that makes him the better team, better than the Bucks? You don’t think that puts them over the edge? If he goes to Milwaukee, you don’t think that puts them over the edge? If he goes to Philly? … They don’t understand how important this player is to changing who can actually win the championship.”

Should the Sixers Consider Westbrook?

Before Westbrook’s disappointing run with the Lakers, the Sixers had an opportunity to explore the possibility of taking Westbrook off the Washington Wizards’ hands when Westbrook was coming off of a decent season in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers didn’t have an interest then.

It’s hard to assume they would have interest now, especially considering who the Sixers have on their roster. The starting unit contains James Harden and De’Anthony Melton. The second unit is run by Tyrese Maxey and Shake Milton.

While both Maxey and Milton can thrive off the ball, Maxey’s been growing as a point guard and has become a focal point for the Sixers, not only coming off the bench but down the stretch in the fourth quarter as well.

Bringing on veterans beyond their prime with championship experience is always a good move for a team that’s looking to get further than they’ve been before in recent times. While Westbrook carries a hard work ethic, he doesn’t bring championship experience to a roster. With just one NBA Finals appearance in his career, it’s difficult not to question whether Westbrook could truly impact winning a title or not on a current contender — especially the Sixers, who are satisfied with their backcourt.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.