Blazers’ HC sheds light on Clippers’ “good gamble” of signing Russell Westbrook claiming “they are what they both needed at this time”

After the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Los Angeles Clippers, Blazers’ head coach Chauncey Billups spoke highly inclusion of Russell Westbrook with his new team, claiming that the Clippers were right to take a gamble on him.

“I thought it was a good gamble to take, to be honest with you. They are what they both needed at this time if that makes sense. Russ needed somebody that was going to hug him,” Billups said.

Despite doubts about Westbrook’s fit with the Clippers, he has accepted his role and played well alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Westbrook’s efficiency has also improved after being surrounded by 3-point shooting.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on Russell Westbrook's fit with the Clippers: "I thought it was a good gamble to take, to be honest with you. They are what they both needed at this time, if that makes sense. Russ needed somebody that was going to hug him."

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 8, 2023

Leonard has praised Westbrook’s contributions to the team, saying that he helps the Clippers be “better” and “faster”. “Every night he’s coming out with energy. No matter what game it is. He’s helping us be a better team, be a faster team, and be more organized with him having the ball and putting us in our spots,” Leonard said.

Westbrook has put up solid numbers for the Clippers, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. The team clearly appreciates what he brings to the table, and his knowledge of the game will be useful in a deep playoff run.

The Clippers look likely to clinch a playoff spot this year, even without the presence of Paul George due to his knee injury. Their first-round matchup against the Phoenix Suns will be an uphill battle due to their relative lack of firepower, but Westbrook’s presence will undoubtedly be a factor.

It remains to be seen if Westbrook can help the Clippers win a championship, but his fit with the team has been a positive one so far. Billups’ comments shed light on the Clippers’ decision to sign Westbrook and how it has worked out well for both parties.

Clippers’ Championship Aspirations: Overcoming Adversity and Rising to the Occasion

The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a daunting challenge as they head towards the end of the regular season, sitting in 5th place in the Western Conference with a record of 43 wins and 38 losses. The team has been hit hard by injuries, with star player Paul George currently sitting on the sidelines.

Despite this setback, the Clippers have remained competitive, thanks in large part to the impressive performances of players like Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, and Norman Powell. These players have stepped up to the challenge and are playing at a high level, keeping the team in the playoff race.

As the playoffs loom, the Clippers will need to continue to rise to the occasion and overcome adversity if they hope to win a championship. With the talent and resilience of this team, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run and compete for the ultimate prize.

The Clippers’ championship aspirations may be challenged by the absence of Paul George, but with Westbrook, Leonard, and Powell leading the way, this team is more than capable of rising to the occasion and achieving greatness.