'Ain't nobody better than me': Clippers' Russell Westbrook confident in new role

Following James Harden's arrival with the L.A. Clippers at the start of the season, Russell Westbrook volunteered to move to the bench. His sacrifice was designed to balance Ty Lue's rotation more and ensure the Clippers had elite ball-handling, playmaking and scoring on both the first and second unit. 

Westbrook has come off the bench in 56 of the 67 games he's played this season. He's averaging 11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 50.9% from 2-point range and 27.3% from the perimeter. 

The Clippers are currently the fourth seed in the Western Conference. As things stand, they're slated to face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. That series would be the first time in Westbrook's career that he's come off the bench in the postseason. During a recent interview with ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Westbrook displayed a defiant confidence in his ability to make an impact as the Clippers' sixth man. 

"Ain't nobody better than me coming off the bench, in this league," Westbrook said.

In terms of bench players, Westbrook is probably right. After all, he's a former MVP. He's also one of the most multi-dimensional guards in the league, capable of initiating fast breaks in the blink of an eye and forcing defensive collapses whenever he drives into the paint. Furthermore, he brings 116 games of playoff experience to the table. He understands how to compete in the postseason. Allowing him to do that against second-unit defenses will put him in a position to thrive. 

Westbrook has earned the right to be braggadocious regarding his skillset and ability to impact winning. However, now it the time for him to walk the walk. Just like Harden and Paul George, a championship has alluded him throughout his career. The Clippers have the talent and the coaching to achieve something special this season. That can only happen if the entire roster raises their game and locks in on both ends. 

Westbrook's voluntary move to the bench set the tone for the season. Now, the rest of the Clippers roster needs to reward Westbrook's selflessness and professionalism. After all, they have one of the best sixth men in the NBA.