Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has officially signed with the Denver Nuggets. Traded from the LA Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook was released by Utah and signed with Denver as a free agent.
The trade ended Westbrook’s final two seasons with the Clippers after the veteran point guard was traded to Utah by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 and signed with the Clippers after a buyout. During his two seasons with the Clippers, Westbrook did a lot of good things on the court, but made an equally big impact off the court and in the locker room.
Part of that impact has included a focus on mentoring young LA players like Bones Hyland, who shared a message for Westbrook after the deal with the Nuggets became official:
Happy for brodieeeee 🔥 https://t.co/n6uwvavdjO
— Bones Hyland (@BizzyBones11) July 26, 2024
Hyland and Westbrook were expected to be LA’s two starting point guards last season before the acquisition of James Harden, and they shared some fun moments together on the court.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK OF BONES HYLAND pic.twitter.com/tx0vd2EPic
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 26, 2023
Westbrook and Hyland had a strong bond during their time as teammates, something the 2017 league MVP emphasized upon his arrival to the Clippers.
I asked Russell Westbrook about his relationship with Bones Hyland.
Russ: “As I said when I got here, part of my job and what I strive for is leadership. I love seeing other people succeed. I really, really love that.” pic.twitter.com/nIqt5BXiyv
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 24, 2023
Hyland has always been grateful in that regard, often sharing what Westbrook means to him as a teammate and mentor.
I asked Bones Hyland about Russell Westbrook.
Bones: “He was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first time he was in. I’ve gotten so much love… Just being around Russ has taught me a lot. He’s always in my ear.” pic.twitter.com/ifWOdr39Su
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 24, 2023
That bond has been strong throughout Westbrook’s Clippers career, with Hyland saying toward the end of last season: “Russ has been a great defender for me. He’s been a veteran for me. He’s always been that guy that’s in my ear… That’s something I always appreciate about Russ, man. From the first day I met him… It’s a little brother, big brother vibe.”
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