2 reasons the Charlotte Hornets should not trade for Russell Westbrook
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks over the court as he is guarded by LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the game at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
No. 1 – Russell Westbrook does not fit with the Charlotte Hornets, particularly alongside ascending All-Star LaMelo Ball
Given that the Hornets already have their franchise point guard in LaMelo Ball, it would be strange for them to even consider trading for another like Russell Westbrook.
After winning Rookie of the Year last season, Ball has taken the next step as a player, being named an All-Star for his sensational play this season. The 20-year-old guard has ascended to star status at a rapid rate, and he has only merely scratched the surface of his potential at this point. Adding a ball-dominant piece like Westbrook could stunt Ball’s growth by taking the ball out of his hands on a nightly basis.
Charlotte’s potential rumored interest in Westbrook should only be more puzzling following recent comments from Ball. In an interview with SLAM Magazine, the 20-year-old detailed how he is still looking to get the “keys” to the team, as he seemingly believes that will elevate his game further.
“When they really put them keys in my hand, I feel like it’s gonna be a whole new situation. But until then, I’m gonna keep doing what I need to do, just try to get these wins. I ain’t gonna lie, every game I feel like I can do more than what I’m doing. It’s just [about] reading the whole game and reading the whole situation. And everybody being on the same page. The consistency part. Once all that clears, I feel like we’ll be straight.”
Bringing in Westbrook would be the opposite of handing Ball the keys, given his constant need to have the basketball more often than not. The only way this could make some semblance of sense is if the Hornets view Westbrook as a potential backup to Ball, someone to run the floor during the minutes when the 20-year-old is catching his breath. Yet, that does not seem awfully realistic, given Westbrook’s stature as a former NBA MVP and his monstrous contract.
Could a Ball-Westbrook pairing in the backcourt work? The Hornets should not attempt to find out, as it would immediately raise more questions than answers.
