The LA Clippers have been struggling with trying to get their mega-talented core of players to mesh. After the trade that brought in James Harden went down, there has been a clear lack of coherence and defined roles for this group of players.
The confusion has led to an unexpected losing streak that has already put the Clippers in a serious hole to begin the year. Head Coach Tyronn Lue has been doing his best to iron LA's problems out on the fly while getting the most out of Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Friday morning, it was reported that Russell Westbrook had stepped forward and offered to come off the bench for the Clippers in an effort to help the team resolve some of the issues they have been confronted with.
Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook - the vocal leader of the team - has requested to come off bench to help the first unit establish some continuity, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/mMNwzDZ9w0
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 17, 2023
Russell Westbrook has requested he come off the Clippers' bench
This is certainly an unexpected development. Westbrook was the Clippers' starting point guard to end last season, and he found some continuity in the role as the 2022-23 season drew to a close. Now, it appears he will be heading to the bench per his own request.
The best-case scenario is that this move gives Harden, Leonard and George more freedom with the starting unit and allows them to get a better idea of what their vision of playing together looks like.
Westbrook's request to be benched clearly shows a team-first attitude, which is refreshing. In a locker room filled with decorated careers and All-NBA appearances, this is the type of sacrificial behavoir that could turn things around for the Clippers.