It sounds like a long shot, but Russell Westbrook ending up with the Detroit Pistons may not be as wild as it sounds.
A recent article by Bleacher Report named the Pistons as an “out of the box” landing spot for the veteran and future Hall of Famer, and I would agree that it is a name I had not given much consideration.
The perception of Westbrook has swung wildly from his MVP days to now, when many consider him a loose cannon who can’t be trusted in big moments even though he often comes through with big plays and shots as he did in last year’s playoffs.
Westbrook’s shooting has been the subject of much derision, especially his 3-point shot, which he continues to take even though he doesn’t make many of them.
Opinions on Westbrook are as varied as his long-range bombs, but the truth is that he is now a solid backup who will give you double digits every night, rack up assists and steals and play solid defense on the perimeter, where he still averages 1.4 swipes per game.
The ways that Westbrook does not fit the Pistons are obvious, but there are some ways in which he is exactly what Trajan Langdon looks for in a veteran.
Russell Westbrook on the Detroit Pistons?
I’ve always been a fan of Westbrook, as he was an athletic freak in his prime who seemed to care about winning more than just about everyone else. He’s always been a bit of a psycho, but I mean that in a good way, as it feels like he would have jumped into a burning building to save a loose ball.
Westbrook’s shot selection, overdribbling and turnovers have been well-documented, and these are all things the young Pistons do not need.
But Westbrook is an Iron Man who rarely misses games, something Langdon has clearly targeted in his veteran additions thus far. Westbrook has only played fewer than 60 games once in his entire career, has played all 82 games four times, 80+ games three more times and even last season at age 36, Westbrook played 75 games.
If you are looking for a reliable backup, you could do worse, as Westbrook is never hurt and always ready to go.
He’s tough, gives effort on defense and isn’t afraid of anything, sometimes to his detriment. He would frustrate Pistons fans, but we’d end up loving his effort and drive.
For the record, I do not think this will happen, but Westbrook isn’t as crazy an idea as you might think.