Clippers Streamline Their Roster
The Harden trade messed the Clippers’ roster up and has upset the depth they boasted prior to it. Losing four players for one is a massive hit, and if the Clippers can get two usable NBA players in this trade, they should pounce at it. Richardson adds more wing play behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and could also be a solid 3-and-D option in lineups featuring Harden, Leonard, and George on the floor together.
Richardson is averaging 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on the Heat this season, returning to the franchise that drafted him this summer. Thomas Bryant signed to provide center depth and has averaged 5.3 points and 3.8 rebounds this season. despite his obvious talents, it doesn’t look like the Heat need his style of a center as much as the Clippers could. Bryant’s could be a big option that could play alongside Zubac or Theis, or provide a different option for lineup variations.
Westbrook going can reintroduce Bones Hyland to the lineup, who lost his minutes after the Harden trade. This trade gives the Clippers more balance instead of trying to run different styles of play throughout the game to accommodate both Westbrook and Harden into the roster.
The Miami Heat Find An Answer For Their Point Guard Struggles
The Miami Heat haven’t been able to rely on a solid point guard in the last few seasons. Despite a big move to acquire Kyle Lowry in 2021, Lowry’s decline has hit the team harder than they expected, with the team even thinking about waiving Lowry before the season. Tyler Herro was providing really good play from the point before injury ruled him out for the season. The Heat even lost Dru Smith to a season-ending knee injury due to a freak accident on the Cavaliers’ court.
Westbrook and Lowry are both old for a point guard rotation, but Westbrook has proven to be extremely durable. He also fits well into Heat culture with his work ethic and will be given a genuine chance to succeed. His ability as a facilitator and passer hasn’t disappeared, as he showed before the Harden trade. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo could both benefit from it, while corner shooters like Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love will get an explosive guard that can create quick shooting opportunities for them.
This is the only real contending situation that could fit Westbrook’s play style, with the Heat needing a point guard like him to open up the floor for their roster. Even when Herro is back, he’ll be the perfect scoring complement to a backcourt with Westbrook, who’ll make up for Herro’s lack of POA defense and aggression, creating a very complementary guard duo.
Russell Westbrook’s Future Could Be jeopardized
This transaction has the potential to save Russell Westbrook’s career from an untimely demise. He’s soon running out of winning circumstances in which he can contribute. He has certain advantages, such as averaging 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists before the Harden deal this season, which helped the Clippers finish above.500. The Clippers have battled to create an offensive identity since Harden’s arrival.
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