Russell Westbrook was traded by the LA Clippers earlier this summer, landing with the Utah Jazz where he agreed to a contract buyout for the second time in his NBA career.
Signed with the Clippers in 2023 after his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook quickly established himself as a leader on and off the court. Particularly influential with the team’s younger players, Westbrook helped mentor young guard Bones Hyland as he navigated a fluctuating role after arriving from Denver.
“Russ has been a great leader for me,” Hyland said last season. “Since I got here. Even before. He’s always been the guy I could talk to… Throughout this whole process, he’s told me to stay grounded, stay hungry, stay in the gym and stay myself.”
Bones Hyland on Russell Westbrook:
“Russ has been a great leader for me, man. Ever since I got here. Even before. He’s always been the guy I could talk to… Throughout this whole process, he told me to stay down, stay hungry, stay in the gym and stay myself.” pic.twitter.com/U1hQujgXw1
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 2, 2024
Sending a heartfelt message to Westbrook on Instagram, Hyland shared a series of photos and videos of the two guards together.
“I remember being in Denver and getting so much love,” Hyland wrote. “Then we became teammates and brothers. Thanks for everything, Brodie.”
Bones Hyland Shows Russ Her Love Via IG pic.twitter.com/TJEjMyWBGi
— 𝐊 𝐀 𝐒 𝐇✧⍣ (@TheKashKingston) August 15, 2024
Hyland often spoke about his bond with Westbrook during their time as teammates, which was also something Westbrook cared deeply about.
“It’s my job as a leader to help out in any way I can,” Westbrook said before last season when asked if Hyland looked up to him. “I’m grateful to be able to do that for someone like Bones. I’m excited about the things he’s going to do in this league.”
Russell Westbrook on Bones Hyland admiring him:
“It’s my role as a leader to help out in any way I can. I’m grateful to be able to do that for someone like Bones. I can’t wait to see what he does in this league.” pic.twitter.com/jWSGXIGd3m
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 5, 2023
There’s a chance Hyland won’t be with the Clippers next season due to their current guard roster, but he’s shown flashes of talent at the NBA level, so hopefully he’ll get the opportunity to play rotation minutes in LA or elsewhere.
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