For those who don't know, Zach Randolph and former Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen host a podcast called Out The Mud. Recently, the former Memphis Grizzlies teammates had Patrick Beverley on the show. His appearance included a lengthy discussion on Russell Westbrook.
Before the future Hall of Famer retired this summer, one had to ponder whether the C's should have added him to their backcourt. However, the fit, the role available, and the need to develop the younger players on the roster made that a highly unlikely move for Boston. The franchise is also well positioned to reset the repeater tax. Going over the luxury tax to sign Westbrook further diminished the odds of this signing.
And while retirement is supposed to put matters to bed between him and the Celtics, they may still have to deal with him after all. On Out The Mud, Randolph shared that he recently saw the nine-time All-Star's younger brother.
Leaving that conversation, pondering on a podcast whether Westbrook will return at some point this season, noting that he still has a lot left in the tank, raises eyebrows.
Russell Westbrook could sign with a Celtics rival
Randolph also floated that he would like to see the former league MVP join the Miami Heat if he comes out of retirement.
Was that purely him stating his preference? Perhaps. But putting that out there after running into Westbrook's brother will at least force one to question whether that's a coincidence.
Boston may have been used as leverage to drive up the price for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Regardless, Miami was left tight on cap space after pulling off its summer blockbuster.
As an attractive destination, with a chance to contend if all goes well, the Heat acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson. Despite roster-building restrictions, this sufficiently addressed concerns about their shooting.
Why the Heat and Russell Westbrook are a good pairing
For Miami to establish itself as a top team in the Eastern Conference this season, it still probably needs to add more talent. Either that or seeing players like Pelle Larsson, Ryan Conwell, and Nikola Jovic solidify rotation spots.
Westbrook doesn't provide more shooting. However, he is coming off a campaign in which he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He is a chaos engine who can still stuff the stat sheet.
Adding a new dynamic like that will help when Antetokounmpo isn't on the floor or in the lineup. The two-time scoring champion would also allow the Heat to keep pressuring the rim without their new star forward in the game.
If Westbrook is going to return this season, Miami is the ideal landing spot. And even with his flaws, he would elevate one of the Celtics' conference rivals. With him in the fold, the Heat become a more taxing opponent.
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