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The Beard: "Westbrook is our leader" Rivers: "Favorite Teammate Ever"

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by vator, Aug 21, 2020.

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  1. vator

    vator Member

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    After watching Russ the past 2 games on the bench cheering I finally see it. It's about more than just his on-court production. The broadcast team mentioned that Austin Rivers said Russ was the best teammate he's ever had. That spoke volumes so of course I fact-checked it and found the video. It is embedded below. Rivers had so many superlative things to say about him.

    Then after the game, Harden said that Westbrook is our leader. I thought about this for a minute. A lot of people may view Harden saying this as a negative because this has been a point of contention and his leadership has been questioned in the past, but people lead differently. Harden is just a different type of dude. He leads in his own way and has clearly worked to become a better leader and defender. Anybody can see that.

    But when have you ever seen him verbally relinquish that title to another player since he's been in Houston? His ego would never allow it, but things are certainly different in relation to his relationship with Russ and this is a good thing. This is real. I love it. Perusing the Westbrook/CP3 trade thread today, for me, this is yet another reason in my opinion to respect the reasons this trade was made. I'm going to ride with Russ for better and for worse as long as he is here. He is a natural leader that has EARNED the respect of his teammates and he is able to hold our franchise player accountable, unlike any other person we've had here. Our window with Harden grows smaller each year. How many 1st round picks is that worth?



     
    #1 vator, Aug 21, 2020
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  2. J.R.

    J.R. Member

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    James Harden & Austin Rivers have GROWN TO LOVE Russell Westbrook?

    You love to see it.
     
    #2 J.R., Aug 21, 2020
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  3. tmoney1101

    tmoney1101 Member

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    I agree. Beyond WB’s contribution on the court is his ability to get through to harden in a way no other player/coach can. There’s a real love for each other that allows them to be critical of one another without coming off as condemnation. They push each other as brothers do. It’s great to see and has changed the whole atmosphere around the team.
     
    #3 tmoney1101, Aug 21, 2020
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  4. JW86

    JW86 Member

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    Good to hear! Yeah it is worth the trade even for that fact alone: Harden allows WB to be him and he's cool with it, not so much with CP3 who has an awful leadership style. Small guy pin-pointing everything, yelling, hollering, crying, overcompensating. Hard pass!
     
    #4 JW86, Aug 21, 2020
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  5. Tom Bombadillo

    Tom Bombadillo Member

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    I’m super happy to be rid of the banana boat guys. Not a fan of gen banana boat at all.
     
    #5 Tom Bombadillo, Aug 21, 2020
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  6. mac_got_this

    mac_got_this Member

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    He showed Dwight respect. He called Dwight a cornerstone of the franchise l.
     
    #6 mac_got_this, Aug 21, 2020
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  7. KingCheetah

    KingCheetah Atomic Playboy
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    They're getting old... sad but true.
     
    #7 KingCheetah, Aug 21, 2020
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  8. KingCheetah

    KingCheetah Atomic Playboy
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    #IronMaiden
     
    #8 KingCheetah, Aug 21, 2020
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  9. Buck Turgidson

    Buck Turgidson Member

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    Yeah, that was just a little surprising to see.
     
    #9 Buck Turgidson, Aug 21, 2020
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  10. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    MJ: Secretly Scottie has been our leader all along.

    Formula for ships.
     
    #10 daywalker02, Aug 21, 2020
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  11. Icehouse

    Icehouse Member

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    Cool.....

    (still needs to dominate on the court though)
     
    #11 Icehouse, Aug 21, 2020
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  12. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    enes kanter also said WB been the best teammate he's ever had
     
    #12 pippendagimp, Aug 21, 2020
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  13. Nook

    Nook Member

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    I have seen some people make a big deal out of Harden calling Westbrook a leader. People over analyze things too much.

    Harden respects Westbrook and is famous for being someone that only opens up to and bonds strongly with people he views as loyal and he trusts... hell, he was polite but would barely saying anything substantive to Daryl Morey. It took Morey being patient and proving to Harden he wasn’t going to trade him or screw him before their relationship really became as extremely strong as it is now. Westbrook is the same way, Harden has known him for a long time and really trusts him. So yes, Harden sees him as a leader... and that doesn’t mean Harden isn’t the leader of the Rockets. It means that Harden can let his guard down around Westbrook.

    Also it shouldn’t have to be said, but that doesn’t mean Harden fought with Chris Paul or Dwight Howard and any of his other teammates. He played hard with them and they were fine as teammates... he just didn’t inherently trust them like he does Westbrook or even Tucker or Ariza.
     
    #13 Nook, Aug 21, 2020
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  14. vator

    vator Member

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    I hear you. I don't think you meant me, but I do want to clarify anyways that the purpose of my post if I wasn't clear was to commend both Westbrook and Harden. Russ for being a good teammate, infectious leader, and someone that Harden trusts and respects enough to allow himself to be held accountable by. That speaks volumes to the type of person Russ is and the strength of their relationship and their bond.

    Harden because I think making this comment is actually showing tremendous leadership by empowering and supporting your teammate and brother. He's fully embraced Russ and made him feel welcome in a place totally foreign to him. Russ was the face of his own franchise. I happen to think Harden is indeed a leader and he has worked hard to become not only a better player but a better leader of men since he touched down in Houston. He just grinds. I'm impressed that he would make a comment like this in front of a camera. I see maturity, self-confidence, and a comfort level with himself and his teammates that I think should be commended. Why? Because he has heard all the haters and detractors over the years. He is fully aware of people saying he's a flopper, he doesn't defend, he's a choker, and that he isn't a leader. His own former coach, salty Kevin McHale threw him under the bus on national television. Yet he gets in front of a microphone after a huge win in which Russ doesn't even step foot on the court and pays him the ultimate compliment. That to me is something only a leader would do.
     
    #14 vator, Aug 21, 2020
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  15. jordnnnn

    jordnnnn Member

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    Odds that RW can name 1 Iron Maiden song?
     
    #15 jordnnnn, Aug 21, 2020
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  16. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    I love Westbrook

    Thanks Tilman !
     
    #16 tinman, Aug 21, 2020
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  17. rockbox

    rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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    Everyone of his teammates say the same thing about Russ. There is a reason why Paul George stuck around even when he had a choice. Russ is a good dude.
     
    #17 rockbox, Aug 21, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2020
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  18. D-rock

    D-rock Member

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    Surprisingly good vid on the Harden-Westbrook relationship and how it affects them on and off the court.

    There is a lot of love between these 2 guys and it's no wonder the whole team vibes off it.

     
    #18 D-rock, Aug 22, 2020
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  19. crimsonghost

    crimsonghost Member

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    I do
     
    #19 crimsonghost, Aug 22, 2020
  20. crimsonghost

    crimsonghost Member

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    Same as the Odds I can
     
    #20 crimsonghost, Aug 22, 2020
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