The most regrettable thing about the Nuggets being eliminated is Westbrook, and he has no chance to compete for the championship this year

On May 19, in the NBA, a league full of variables, the playoffs are staged with joys and sorrows stories every year. In the 2024-2025 season, the Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated in the first round, and the most regrettable thing is the situation of Russell Westbrook (Westbrook). This former MVP is now holding a basic salary contract, but he is still trying his best on the court. When the Nuggets were eliminated, countless fans couldn't help but ask: How many years can Westbrook play? Does his career still have a chance to touch the championship trophy?

Westbrook's career is legendary. Since entering the league in 2008, he has conquered fans with his explosive physical fitness and never-give up spirit. In the Thunder, he grew up to be the top point guard in the league, won the MVP, and was selected into the All-Star and All-Squad many times. However, fate always seems to play jokes with him one after another. Whether it was the injuries during the Thunder period or the later revolving around the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers and Clippers, Westbrook was always out of the championship.

This season, Westbrook chose to join the Clippers with a basic salary contract, and his goal is clear - to compete for the championship. Although he is 35 years old and his competitive form has declined, Westbrook is still the passionate player. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Although his data is not as dazzling as his peak, his fighting spirit and leadership on the court are still crucial to the team. Especially in the playoffs, Westbrook stood up at critical moments many times and used his breakthroughs and defense to extend his life to the team. However, basketball is a five-person sport. The Clippers' overall strength, coupled with the impact of injuries, finally stopped them in the first round.

Westbrook's future is full of uncertainty. Judging from his competitive state, his physical fitness and explosive power are indeed not as good as before, but with his rich experience and still online organizational skills, he can play in the league for another 2-3 years. The question is whether he is willing to continue to accept basic salary or middle class contracts and play roles with a team with championship competency. After all, for a player like Westbrook, the temptation of a championship is far greater than that of money.

Judging from the current league structure, Westbrook may need to make some sacrifices if he wants to realize his dream of winning the championship. For example, join a team with superstars, like the Celtics, the Nuggets or the Suns. Among these teams, Westbrook can play the role of locker room leader and backup point guard, using his experience and passion to help the team through tough times. Of course, the premise of all this is that he is willing to accept the role change and that a team is willing to give him this opportunity.

On the other hand, Westbrook can also choose to return to the Thunder, a team he has played for 11 seasons. While the Thunder are currently in a rebuilding phase, their young cores—like Shea Gilgers-Alexander and Chet Holmgren—have shown great potential. If Westbrook is willing to return as a veteran and help young people grow, perhaps one day in the future, he can realize his dream of winning the championship in another way.

In any case, Westbrook's career is already brilliant enough. He is one of the most comprehensive point guards in NBA history and is synonymous with "triple double". Even if he was unable to win the O'Brien Cup in the end, his fighting spirit and professional attitude were enough to win the respect of everyone. For fans, perhaps what they want to see is that Westbrook can play the rest of his career healthily, no matter what method it is.

The championship is certainly the ultimate dream of every player, but for a player like Westbrook, the significance of basketball has long surpassed the trophy itself. Every breakthrough, every assist, every roar of his sport is interpreting his love for the sport. If he really retires one day, the NBA will lose a unique player, and fans will always remember Westbrook, who is always tireless in the No. 0 jersey.

As for the championship, maybe as he often said, "I will keep working hard until I can no longer play." As long as Westbrook is still running on the field, hope will never be extinguished.