Telepeer

Russell Westbrook mentoring Clippers’ young guards

March 25, 2023

Russell Westbrook has been called a lot of things. MVP. Toxic. Amazing ball-handler. Disruptor. All-Star. One of the best point guards in NBA history.

But mentor? That is among the roles Westbrook has taken on since joining the Clippers last month. And his pupils? Terance Mann and Bones Hyland, two of the team’s young guards, are happy to learn Westbrook’s secrets to success.

Asked what Westbrook has taught him, Hyland, a second-year player, said, “Man, everything. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”

From his spot on the bench, Hyland said his appreciation for Westbrook’s skills has grown since the two joined the Clippers (39-35) last month. Hyland, who spent his first one-plus seasons with the Denver Nuggets, previously had only seen Westbrook from across the court.

“I got so much love and just, just everything for Russ, man. I love watching him play, his energy,” Hyland said. “He goes out there and plays 99% every time. Well, 100%, 100% every time.

“He gives it his all. So just being alongside Russ, I learned so much and he’s always in my ear telling me the good things, what he sees out there for me. I’m glad to be a teammate alongside Russ.”

Hyland showed what he had learned so far in Thursday’s 127-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was all over the court, going 4 for 6 from 3-point range – making two more than his mentor – and shooting 6 for 13 overall for 16 points off the bench. He also had seven assists, four rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal.

Hyland and Mann provided a spark the team needed with All-Star wing Paul George out for the next 2-3 weeks because of a knee sprain. The Clippers are going to need more of that kind of youthful energy when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans (36-37) on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena.

“When it’s my time, when my number’s called, I just go out there and give it my all,” Hyland said. “It was an amazing game tonight.”

Westbrook, 34, said he jumped at the opportunity to take on a leadership role with the Clippers, something he didn’t find with the LeBron James-led Lakers.

“I like to see other people do well,” said Westbrook, who starred at Leuzinger High and UCLA. “I really enjoyed it, honestly. Man, to see him play well tonight, it speaks so great for him.

“With Terance, my job is to make sure that he knows what’s going on, to keep his spirits high, make sure he knows what’s going on throughout the game. Tonight, he did that. He obviously knows how to play at a high level.”

Mann said Westbrook has helped him stay focused during games and “not worrying about the last play and moving onto the next one. Kind of just that relentless mentality of the next play is your best play, and I appreciate that from him.”

Coach Tyronn Lue said he is excited to see veterans, such as Westbrook, interact with the younger generation, keeping them ready to play.

Clippers |

Swanson: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is here to break your heart

Clippers |

Kawhi Leonard leads Clippers past Thunder in first game without Paul George

Clippers |

Clippers’ Paul George likely out the rest of the regular season

Clippers |

Paul George leaves with apparent knee injury as Clippers lose to Thunder

Clippers |

Clippers believe recent success has fostered accountability

Westbrook called his new role – a fresh start so to speak – with the Clippers a great experience, something he is grateful to have found.

“God has put me in this position,” Westbrook said. “I’m thankful for that and I’m just going to cherish every moment I have and hopefully we are playing at the end of June.”

Because the one thing Westbrook has never been called is an NBA champion.

PELICANS AT CLIPPERS

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Crypto.com Arena

TV/Radio: Bally Sports SoCal, 570 AM

Orange County Register

News Details

Russell Westbrook mentoring Clippers’ young guards

Related Articles

PELICANS AT CLIPPERS

News

CONTACT INFO

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CURRENT NEWS