A dip in performance due to poor team fit can at times be misinterpreted as a sign of regression, that dreaded and inevitable aspect in the career of a basketball player. The turnaround witnessed in the career trajectories of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden and Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook this season are perfect examples of this. Doubts were cast on whether the two former MVPs could be impactful players ahead of the ongoing campaign. Well, they have silenced the critics in some style. And it’s time for the naysayers to apologize, says Matt Barnes.
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The former forward couldn’t help but notice the ease and happiness with which Westbrook operates on the hardwood of late.
“Two guys come to mind, one being Russell Westbrook and the way he’s just been appreciated and shown the respect he deserves and the love he deserves in Denver. He’s having fun, he’s smiling, he’s talking, the crowd loves him,” said Barnes on the ALL THE SMOKE podcast.
After leaving Oklahoma City in 2019, Westbrook has struggled to find his footing in the four franchises he played with before joining the Nuggets. On numerous occasions, he became the scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings. However, the narrative has completely flipped in Denver.
Meanwhile, Harden has stepped up his production to almost singlehandedly keep the Clippers in contention in the Western Conference.
“The second man is James Harden. Nothing short of amazing. He’s really hooping, and he has his team in the thick of it. I think everybody owes both of them an apology,” added Barnes.
Paul George’s decision to leave the Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers left a big void in the roster. Additionally, star Kawhi Leonard missed the first portion of the season. The depleted roster meant the team had no expectations of being a contender in the West. However, Harden has stepped up massively and the team is the sixth seed in the West with a 26-20 record.
With their backs against the wall at the start of the season, both Harden and Westbrook have shown what they’re truly capable of.
Westbrook and Harden have rejuvenated their careers
The impact of Harden and Westbrook are on two different scales but equally important to their teams.
Westbrook, to start with, isn’t the version of himself that used to be in contention for an All-Star selection. However, he has carved out a role alongside Nikola Jokic that is key to the team’s success.
The point guard has played 1,833 possessions with Jokic this season, and their point differential together is +13.7. The team’s points per 100 possessions is 128 points, which is in the 99th percentile, according to Cleaning The Glass. Evidently, the Nuggets are at their best with Westbrook on the court.
Meanwhile, Harden is in All-Star conversations at the moment. The 10-time All-Star has bounced back tremendously from his performance last season (16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds). This campaign he is averaging 21.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.
The only downside to Harden’s production is that he is having the worst efficiency of his career, shooting 39.8% from the field. However, now that Leonard is back in the lineup, it will reduce the amount of tough shots Harden was forced to take.
The stars of the past are indeed getting older by the year, which means their exits from the NBA are getting closer. Regardless, Westbrook and Harden are a testament to the skill and longevity of this past era which redefined the gold standard for NBA players.
