Former Clippers Player Reacts to James Harden Starting Over Russell Westbrook
Is was reported on Friday morning by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report that LA Clippers star Russell Westbrook will be coming off the bench after volunteering to do so following LA's winless start to the James Harden era. Expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Terance Mann, Westbrook will be coming off the bench after just five games next to Harden in the starting lineup.
When asked about this on X (formerly known as Twitter) former Clippers guard and 6th Man of the Year Jamal Crawford said, "I [thought] Harden to be honest- but honorable of Russ!"
Crawford was not alone in thinking Harden would be the best option to come off the bench, as the numbers with Westbrook next to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard had been dominant dating back to the end of last season. In their final six games together last year, the trio of Westbrook, Leonard, and George had the best net rating in basketball amongst all trios with at least as many minutes together as them. That trend continued this season prior to the Harden trade, as the trio was again atop the league.
Since Harden's arrival, the Clippers have struggled to find any successful lineups, and hope this move will jumpstart both their starting unit and bench group. It remains it be seen how this works, but Westbrook and the Clippers felt they needed to do something after six-straight losses.
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