Report: Westbrook ‘bothered’ by bad teammate label

Russell Westbrook Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Russell Westbrook 'bothered' by bad teammate label

Originally posted on Sportress of Blogitude
By Jason Rowan | Last updated 12/3/20

Russell Westbrook is said to be offended by the narrative that he’s a bad teammate in the wake of a blockbuster trade to the Washington Wizards in exchange for John Wall and a first-round pick.

According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who weighed in on the monumental trade of superstars during Thursday’s edition of “Get Up,” Houston Rockets star James Harden is believed to have “had a preference of John Wall over Russell Westbrook.”

Further addressing the Westbrook-Wall exchange, Woj alluded to how Westbrook is “bothered” by the perception that Harden’s preference for Wall may suggest he isn’t the best teammate.

"[Russell Westbrook] has been very bothered, I'm told, by the suggestion of the kind of teammate he is. … I think going to Washington, I think that's extra motivation for him to really try to make it work with Bradley Beal."

—@wojespn pic.twitter.com/o7PrfVvN6K
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 3, 2020

When Westbrook joined Harden in Houston after the Rockets flipped him for Chris Paul in a July 2019 trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, there was no shortage of skepticism about how the two ball-dominant players would mesh.

The notion wasn’t completely unfounded. The Rockets failed to improve this season upon their ongoing playoff ineptitude despite Harden and Westbrook joining forces.

Further, there was speculation throughout this past season that the two superstars failed to establish a solid rapport, though the rumored disconnect was seemingly refuted to some extent in recent weeks amid all the trade demand drama.

As things stand, the acquisition of Wall appears to be an effort by the Rockets to appease Harden, who is said to desire a trade to the Brooklyn Nets above any other option, including remaining in Houston.

The Rockets, however, appear committed to keeping Harden in the fold for the 2020-21 season and beyond, while Westbrook is evidently eager to change the “bad teammate” narrative saddling him in D.C.

This article first appeared on Sportress of Blogitude and was syndicated with permission.

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