“Iverson took his ball and went home…is Russ gonna do that?” Tim Bontemps says Russell Westbrook is not a useful player
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Tim Bontemps talks about Russell Westbrook
Though Los Angeles Lakers’ new coach heaps praise on former MVP Russell Westbrook, many analysts and media personnel are still not satisfied with the idea of having him play a different role with the same team. On the same note, Tim Bontemps even calls time on Russ and expects him to retire just like Allen Iverson.
Los Angeles Lakers hired Darvin Ham as the new head coach for the franchise. Hardworking, “blue-collar” Darvin Ham, in his introductory press conference spoke passionately about the purple and gold army and mentioned some points he would like to change in the style of working. Sacrifice, defensive upgrade, and accountability were major focal points in Ham’s speech. He also praised Russell Westbrook and indicated that he already visualises Russ as an integral part of the team. But analysts and fans are still skeptical about the comments made and believe that it is a trap door. On the ESPN podcast, Tim Bontemps even mentioned that Westbrook could be heading towards getting sidelined from the league.
Comparing the situation with one of the best point guards Allen Iverson, Tim said that Allen Iverson was also asked to play different sorts of games, suiting his team. But AI didn’t relate well to that idea. So he packed his bag and left the league.
How long would Russell Westbrook contribute to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers brought in experienced and fiery offensive star Russell Westbrook to help the team win another Championship. But a devastating end to the season left them red-faced over the decision. Now while preparing for the new season, Franchise brought in Darvin Ham, who won the NBA championship as a player and as a coach too.
Known for his “player development” skills and “hard-working” game, the 48-years old Coach tried to infuse his ideology into the game. But looking at the star power and ages of the LA Lakers’ core team, many people doubt Darvin’s success.
Tim Bontemps expects Westbrook to get some indication from the progressive events. The 34-year-old analyst even thinks that the situation is not in Westbrook’s control at the moment.
He gave a piece of advice while talking on the podcast as he said, “This guy needs to try to do at this point to be effective and here’s the deal if Russell Westbrook Doesn’t want to do that if he doesn’t want to do what Darvin Ham says he needs him to do the Lakers can just send him home. He’s on an expiring contract. His biggest value to the Lakers is that between now and next February’s trade deadline they can trade him for something else that’s what he’s there to be and in the meantime if he wants to have a career after this deal is done; he’s got to find a way to be a useful NBA player.”
All eyes are on Russell Westbrook, who showed very adamant behavior even at the closing stages of an unspeakable 1st season with the franchise. NBA writer Tim Bontemps pointed out Russ’ exact attitude and compares it with Allen Iverson’s situation at the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tim correlates the situation and said, “Allen Iverson got to a point where it was like ‘hey Alan you could be a sixth man and come off the bench and score. Alan took his ball and went home. Like is Russ gonna do that or is he gonna reinvent himself and find a way to use his athleticism to find other ways to be a useful player.”
The sad ending for 4-time scoring Champion and 11-time All-star Allen Iverson still hurts many AI fans. Talented point guard never won an NBA championship in his 15 seasons with the league and Russ would probably head towards the same path if he do not make adjustments to the situation. As per the panel though Westbrook stay a Lakers player this season but might contribute lesser than the last one.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)