When dealing with the end of the season, Russell Westbrook took exception to reports that he would be unwell during the 2023-24 season.
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Clippers made the biggest trade of the season, acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, but were eliminated by the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs on Friday.
Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while primarily playing a sixth-man role with the Clippers. The Athletic reported He said it was “much more difficult” for him to take on the role than the team had outlined.
The Athletic said it was told by league officials that Westbrook “will need to convince (team president Lawrence Frank) to accept the sixth-man role.”
The paper also noted that Westbrook “frequently said he felt he could play more, but did not speak to reporters at any point after the regular season.”
Westbrook responded to the report in a long Instagram Story.
The Athletic noted that Westbrook took exception to reports suggesting that “the process behind the scenes was much more difficult than what team officials had made public.”
“I am often talked about by so many ‘sources’ and sports news outlets,” he wrote. “After this season, I wanted to share my actual thoughts and words. Anything you read about what I said or didn’t say could possibly be fabricated. Please understand that I have never had a hard time sharing my thoughts and ideas about anything and prefer to keep my thoughts to myself most of the time.
“I would like to share some of my actual thoughts with Clipper Nation and our fans,” he continued. “It’s a difficult time for a lot of people because there’s been some kind of expectation. So we’re not trying to plant stories or blame for what many would classify as a disappointing end to the season.” I understand that there is pressure to do so.
“I personally enjoyed the past year and worked hard to bring energy and give the team a spark in every opportunity I was given,” he admitted. “I have always felt, and always will, that I was willing to take on a new role and make some sacrifices to make the team better. I had hoped for a different outcome, but the season… It was also fun to be on site this year with my teammates who have supported me throughout.”
