Clippers star names Westbrook a future Hall of Famer

The Russell Westbrook experiment is off to a precarious start in Denver. The Nuggets signed the point guard to a two-year, $6,772,731 contract this offseason, confusing many. The Nuggets faced the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook's former team, on Saturday, and his old teammates had some kind words for the struggling former superstar. Although Russell Westbrook's stats were difficult early in the season, his former teammate James Harden called Westbrook a future Hall of Famer after the Clippers vs. Nuggets game on Saturday.

Clippers star names Westbrook a future Hall of Famer

Westbrook stats to start the season

Westbrook's stats so far this season have been terrible. In his debut with the Nuggets, he scored just six points while shooting 2 of 10 from the field and 1 of 6 from three-point range. Then, in the Clippers-Nuggets game, he was even worse. In 19 minutes of play against the Clippers, Westbrook failed on any of his eight field goal attempts and finished the game with two points, two assists and one rebound.

Since leaving the Thunder after the 2018-19 season, Westbrook has bounced around the league like a pinball machine. He didn't play a full two seasons with the same team and saw his stats gradually decline over the time he played. When he played for LeBron James and the Lakers a few years ago, he wasn't particularly interested in taking on a backup role, but now he's accepted his spot as a reserve player in the NBA.

Terance Mann on Russell Westbrook: “One of the best teammates I've ever had… I'm looking forward to the competitive nature he'll bring to the game tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/6LkLNUpVbD

– Law Murray 🏟️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 25, 2024

The respect of James Harden

Even though Westbrook left the Clippers this offseason, his former teammates still have a lot of respect for him. After the game, Harden supported Westbrook, telling The Athletic:

“When it’s all said and done, we’ll be in the Hall of Fame. That's a story. I'm glad he's happy and playing well. He does his thing here in Denver. That’s why it’s always good luck when we see each other.”

You could say Harden is just trying to support his old teammate. Harden and Westbrook reached the NBA Finals together as the league's young, rising stars with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then they teamed up with the Clippers last season. The reality is that Harden has a point. Both he and Westbrook were league MVPs and will undoubtedly be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Basketball Reference currently lists Harden as having a 99.99% chance of making the Hall and Westbrook at 99.93%.

One of the greatest Russell Westbrook games! (2017)

50 PTS
16 REB
10 AST
1 tsp
53% FG (17/32)
100% FT (11/11) pic.twitter.com/SCl95zJCiZ

— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) October 5, 2024

Westbrook stats don't tell the whole story

Even though Westbrook will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, the end to his career wasn't exactly the best. Since his first season away from the Thunder, he has slowly seen his numbers and respect around the league dwindle. He went from averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and seven assists per game in the 2019-20 season to just averaging 11.1 points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists per game last season.

Hopefully, Westbrook will be remembered more for his triple-doubles, as an MVP, and for his loyalty to the Thunder franchise. Even though Father Time catches up with him, it's nice to see his colleagues and teammates standing up for what he once was.