The Pistons are still lacking in depth of proven point guards, although the market has largely dried up now. Their only player heading into next season who has proven capable of running an offense for extended periods at the one-spot is Cade Cunningham. However, there is still one player who has unexpectedly received few offers and offers the Pistons multiple advantages: Russell Westbrook.
Despite his advanced age (36 years old) Westbrook is still a serviceable backup point guard. Last season, he had an up-and-down campaign with the Nuggets as the team’s sixth man and occasional starter. Westbrook’s career has been defined by somewhat erratic play and a never-ending motor, which he has harnessed on the defensive end in recent years.
Westbrook had good chemistry with primary playmaker Nikola Jokic, which led to a lot of easy baskets for Westbrook on backdoor cuts. I can easily see something similar happening if he were to play alongside Cade Cunningham. Additionally, Westbrook’s defense was a strength last season, including some huge plays in the playoffs against the Clippers.
Defense and toughness are the core tenets of the Pistons’ team identity and Westbrook has embodied both since transitioning to a lesser role after his MVP years. The biggest knock against him has been his poor outside shooting and turnovers, but he also brings good playmaking alongside those flaws. Last season, he averaged six assists per game in 28 minutes while playing alongside one of the most ball-dominant forces in the league.
Russell Westbrook: Perfect Mentor for Cade and Ivey
Additionally, Westbrook can offer a hidden advantage to the Pistons as a mentor to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Some fans would probably argue this is a bad idea, as the young backcourt already has enough turnover problems as is. But Westbrook can also show the youngsters how to make the most of their athletic talents, as he has done for a decade and a half.
In his prime, Westbrook was a beast attacking the rim and finishing over, through or around defenders. By percentage relative to the league, finishing at the rim is actually one of Cade’s offensive weaknesses. Despite his size and finesse, Cade struggles to get foul calls when attacking the rim and converts at a relatively low percentage (just 47.8% within five feet).
Russ can be a mentor for Cade on how to go up strong with the ball. And he can also be a mentor for Jaden Ivey on using his speed to produce easy baskets, as well as lock in on defense. Ivey has great speed and athleticism, but his lack of focus and timing has led to subpar defense. If he’s able to harness his athletic gifts like Russ has recently, he can be the perimeter stopper and chaser that the Pistons need.