Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook eyeing MVP-caliber season for Clippers

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 23, 2023 5:59 PM ET

Russell Westbrook has endured a difficult few years in the NBA. The 34-year-old has struggled to reach the level that saw him named the 2017 MVP. He is also two years removed from averaging a triple-double —something he's achieved four times in his career.

Westbrook still believes he can provide an elite-level impact. Speaking to reporters, Westbrook noted that his aim is to average a triple-double in the coming season. A feat that would certainly see him re-enter the MVP race.

"Everybody has their own representation of what is me getting back to me," Westbrook said. "And for me, I'm the only one that can set that table, in my opinion. Getting back to myself is getting back to averaging 21/11/12, which hasn't been done in how many years? Ain’t too many people did that but myself and somebody else. And I’m the only one that did it 4 times...Coming into the season, I know who I want to be, I know what I want to do. And if I exceed those, then cool. If I don't, then I know I got some work to do."

“Getting back to myself would be averaging 21/11/12… Ain’t too many people did that but myself and somebody else. And I’m the only one that did it 4 times.”

- ️ Russell Westbrook

( @joeylinn_ )

pic.twitter.com/Pa7m7UTnko
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 23, 2023

Westbrook will be the primary ball-handler for the L.A. Clippers this season. He will have two elite wings alongside him, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Westbrook will be unlikely to have the usage rate required to be a nightly triple-double threat.

However, if Tyronn Lue tasks the nine-time All-Star with dominating from the guard position, Westbrook has the skillset to rise to the occasion.

Westbrook is a unique talent even at this late juncture in his career. He is still capable of making a big impact on a contending team. However, he's unlikely to reach the level we saw from him during his prime. Adjusting expectations is the only way to avoid disappointment.

Westbrook was unfairly scapegoated by Los Angeles Lakers fans. His tenure with the Clippers is a fresh start. Westbrook's best chance of success this season is by playing his role, not chasing his former glory days. Otherwise, his struggles from the last few years could be doomed to repeat themselves.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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