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Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta Mocks Russell Westbrook

Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta Mocks Russell Westbrook

In 2020 the Houston Rockets agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a lottery-protected first-round pick.

At the time, the move was seen as something of a necessity for both sides.

Both Westbrook and Wall were very unhappy in their current situations, and both had what many believed to be “unmovable” contracts. Thus, their two teams did the only thing they could – they swapped them for one another.

It appears some bad blood still exists.

During a recent conversation with Paper City Magazine, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta touched on a number of topics. One in particular that stood out was his explanation into why his front office had recently started taking a more serious look at advanced analytics.

“It’s analytics you don’t see in the box score,” he said. “You don’t see in the newspaper. It’s different analytics. It’s at a higher level. You can look at a box score and think, ‘Oh my God, this guy had a triple double, he must be great!’ Where this person really was inefficient and wasn’t very good.”

It’s hard to see that statement as anything other than a blatant shot at Westbrook, who is notorious for getting triple-doubles that don’t necessarily lead to victories.

In his time with the Rockets Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. Unfortunately, his tenure in Houston was mired with unhappiness and frustration. The real reason for his departure didn’t end up coming out until after he had been traded to the Wizards.

There was also some chatter about Fertitta’s political views creating something of an uncomfortable dynamic.

Usually after time passes following a trade both sides move on to some degree. Clearly that wasn’t the case here, though.

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Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.

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