Clippers’ Russell Westbrook To Return From Hand Surgery Next Week

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook will return to the lineup next week. 

Westbrook suffered a fractured left hand against the Washington Wizards on March 1 and underwent surgery. 

ESPN story on Russell Westbrook’s imminent return to the Clippers — just three weeks after left hand surgery https://t.co/qxP6rjDqRb

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 22, 2024

Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks this season while shooting 45.2% from the field, 26.8% from beyond the arc and 67.7% from the free-throw line. The nine-time All-Star has a plus-minus of +63. 

The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook broke his right hand during the 2014-15 season when he was on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The California native underwent surgery on November 1 and returned to action on November 28, missing 14 games.

Westbrook signed a two-year, $7.9 million contract with the Clippers last summer in free agency. He’s making $3.8 million this season and has a player option worth $4 million for next season. 

Westbrook has career averages of 21.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. He’s one of the best players in NBA history. 

The Clippers are 44-25 on the season. They are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.

With Westbrook, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way, the Clippers are expected to compete for this year’s title. LAC has never made the Finals in franchise history.