Russell Westbrook is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA today, despite highlights and stat lines that may ..."/> Russell Westbrook is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA today, despite highlights and stat lines that may ..."/>
Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking each of Russell Westbrook’s many tenures

By Ari Schwartz

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game Three of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 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. The Trail Blazers defeated the Thunder 111-98. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game Three of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 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. The Trail Blazers defeated the Thunder 111-98. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 31: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets talk with referee Marc Davis #8. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 31: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets talk with referee Marc Davis #8. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Houston Rockets

Westbrook’s tenure with the Rockets was ultimately a disappointment, but it possessed a lot of upsides. There were moments when Houston’s small-ball lineup that surrounded Westbrook and James Harden with three-and-d wings somehow seemed like it was going to work.

With a supporting cast that allowed Harden and Westbrook to do what they did best, they both put up mind-boggling numbers. Harden averaged 34 points and 7 assists, all while Westbrook put up his own incredible stat line of 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The Rockets would go on to win a close first-round series against the very team they acquired Westbrook from, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It went down to the wire with OKC nearly pulling off an upset, but Houston won. The Rockets were in championship contention, especially since James Harden wouldn’t have to deal with the lockdown defense of Lu Dort anymore.

Unfortunately for Houston, their title hopes were crushed by the Lebron James and Anthony Davis-led Lakers in the second round of the playoffs. They were simply out-talented. This loss would lead to the Rockets’ eventual implosion, which now has them looking like the most chaotic mess in the entire league.