Russell Westbrook to Clippers Could Affect NBA Draft
Former Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook is on the move yet again.
After being traded by the Lakers to Utah at the trade deadline, Westbrook agreed to a contract buyout with the Jazz. On Monday, it was reported that Westbrook would be going back to Los Angeles, but this time signing with the Clippers.
The Clippers are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference at 33-28 and nine games behind the first place Nuggets. The Clippers are three games ahead of the Thunder, who sit at 10th and just inside the play-in.
The former MVP has had a tumultuous journey since being traded from OKC, but has continued to provide support to teams. This season, it's been from the bench.
In 52 appearances for the Lakers, he’s averaged nearly 16 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists. However, similarly to his career, his shooting efficiency has been up-and-down.
While Westbrook is not returning to the Thunder, the move could affect his former squad.
The signing gives the Clippers another big name who could help the team make a run in the second half of the season and further separate from the middle of the Western Conference.
It also removes Westbrook from the Jazz, who sit on the Thunder’s tail in the play-in race, currently just a half-game behind OKC for tenth. The Thunder and Jazz are set to square off in three of Utah’s next five games.
The deal could see the Clippers go either way in the standings. Adding a former MVP to a mix of other star talent doesn’t always pan out, much like the other LA team this season.
With the Thunder and Clippers being so close in the standings record wise, the pick swap could be the difference in just a few spots. But it could also be the difference in landing the top player on a team’s draft board or missing out.
If the Clippers rise in the standings OKC will still have the ability to draft from its original pick, but if the Clippers slide and OKC makes a move, the Thunder could still end up with a solid first round pick in the next draft.
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