The Houston Rockets' 2019-20 season will be remembered for many reasons, but one player who left an indelible mark on the team was Russell Westbrook. Despite playing only one season with the Rockets, Westbrook's impact on the team's history cannot be overstated.
What happened? Russell
Westbrook joined the Houston Rockets in a trade that sent Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal was widely criticized, with many questioning the wisdom of attaching draft capital to flip Paul for Westbrook. The trade was also seen as a desperate attempt to pair Westbrook with James Harden, who was still the team's star player at the time.
Why it matters for Houston Rockets The
Rockets' struggles with Westbrook's playstyle were evident from the start. The team's micro-ball experiment, which featured Westbrook playing alongside Clint Capela, was a disaster. The Rockets' inability to adapt to Westbrook's style of play ultimately led to their demise in the 2019-20 playoffs.
What comes next? The
Rockets' decision to trade Westbrook for John Wall in 2020 was seen as a bold move, but it ultimately backfired. The team's struggles continued, and they failed to make a deep playoff run. The Rockets' recent form has been inconsistent, with a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (78-98) on May 2, 2026, highlighting their ongoing struggles. Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL, most recent first). Despite the challenges, the Rockets remain optimistic about their future, with a strong core of young players and a new head coach at the helm.
A season to remember Despite the struggles
Westbrook's one season with the Rockets was a memorable one. He averaged 33.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 54.9% from the field. His impressive stats were a testament to his talent, but also highlighted the team's inability to adapt to his playstyle.
