NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Phoenix Suns are betting the house on perimeter play but who can and will get their shooters the ball? It’s time to inquire about adding Russell Westbrook. That’s exactly what the Suns need to get over the hump.
Forget whatever bad history he has with Kevin Durant. Although, that’s more media hype than anything. The Suns need a facilitator and they need one to come cheap. Westbrook is no longer playing for the money. He wants a ring and he’s willing to do whatever he can to get one. Not too many superstars can humble themselves and take a lesser role all for the benefit of the team. And yet, here’s Westbrook taking a back seat for the Los Angeles Clippers.
It’s a shame that the Clippers have no use for the aging PG. Before Harden’s arrival, Westbrook was the glue and that’s dating back to last season. It was the same issue while was with the Los Angeles Lakers. He just was not in the right scheme. Moving him now will give the Clippers some draft capital or a player in return but he’s not needed there.
Should The Phoenix Suns Get Russell Westbrook
In 23 games this season, Russell Westbrook is averaging 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Those are strong numbers for a starting PG and even better for a backup PG.
Unlike his last two stops, he won’t be asked to do too much. No need for force shots from deep, he will have Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker for that. If he wished to look in the paint, there is Jusuf Nurkic. Although not the top defender he once was, Russell Westbrook can still get after it.
Despite his age, he’s still one of the fastest players in the league and can go end-to-end in the blink of an eye. This is the pace the Phoenix Suns must get to. They need a player to push the tempo. A faster tempo means more open shots for their sharpshooters.
If anything, the Phoenix Suns can take advantage of his and Durant’s history. They know each other well and despite not having played together in some years, the familiarity is still there. Then you take into account the relationship he built with Beal when they were with the Washington Wizards for a season. There is not another PG the Suns should look for. Westbrook is their guy.
Can you name a star teammate that Russell Westbrook has played with who didn’t have a great season while he was running point? Durant won MVP with him by his side. Paul George revived his career with Westbrook. He and Harden became a triple-double duo, and Beal was unstoppable in the same backcourt with Westbrook beside him. So why aren’t the Suns inquiring?
