Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Drew League offers early preview of Russell Westbrook vs Harden, Paul

By Tamberlyn Richardson

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11:Calyann Barnett-Watson, Chris Paul and James Harden during the Dwyane Wade and Stance Stocks Spades Tournament at The One Eighty on February 11, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11:Calyann Barnett-Watson, Chris Paul and James Harden during the Dwyane Wade and Stance Stocks Spades Tournament at The One Eighty on February 11, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bobby Metelus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Russell Westbrook
LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 11.  Chris Paul, James Harden and Russell Westbrook of the USA National Team participate in a minicamp at UNLV.  Occurring on August 11, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Drew League will offer a rare preseason glimpse of Houston’s new All-Star backcourt versus Russell Westbrook.

This past week Russell Westbrook and several teammates congregated for their annual summer workout sessions. Thunder players were anxious to meet Paul George, but he was unable to participate due to his previously scheduled European vacation.  Although it would’ve been great for George to get an early introduction to his new teammates, they’ll be ample time for team building prior to season start.

Still, today offers something debatably even more exciting with copious All-Stars involved. Although the Warriors’ games in OKC will remain the hardest ticket to get your hands on this season it’s likely Rockets games will be equally in demand. For a few lucky LA residents they’ll get the opportunity to witness 3 of the super stars from the two teams today via The Drew League.

Russell Westbrook will be first to experience Rockets new backcourt:

James Harden and Chris Paul are expected to suit up for LA Unified (LAUNFD) and Russell Westbrook is expected to be part of the opposing Home Town Favorites Crew. Both teams are in the Marty Walzer Division. The game tips off at  9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PST)

ESPN’s Marc J. Spears broke the news of this exciting matchup

"NBA All-Star guard James Harden and backcourt newcomer Chris Paul are expected to team up Sunday for LA Unified in the Drew League in Los Angeles, a source told The Undefeated. This marks the first time the two will play together since Paul was acquired by the Houston Rockets.The matchup at the famed Pro-Am is even more intriguing due to the fact that LA Unified plays Home Town Favorites, which is expected to star 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook, a source said."

https://twitter.com/MarcJSpearsESPN/status/891017671248154624

The Drew League:

Established in 1973 this organization has grown into an exciting offseason event which seeks to reach out into the community. What began in a single gym in South Central LA as a way to merge positivity and sports for local youth has grown over four decades into it’s present day success.

"Since 1973, the drew league has brought local kids, streetball legends and professional stars together in los angeles — all for the love of basketball. The rich legacy includes the original founding father, a visionary commissioner, veteran coaches, three different gyms and countless magical moments. For 40 years, the drew league has been a remarkable success story that began in south central and still continues to flourish within the exact same community."

LA natives like James Harden and DeMar DeRozan have been involved over several summers. Russell Westbrook also hails from LA. Moreover he remains good friends with Harden (in spite of besting him for MVP this season). With the appearance of these top NBA talents the league has continually grown in both stature and philanthropic success. Playing alongside the NBA talents are  soon to be college players as well as up and coming and local talent.

A visit to the Drew League website offers background on the growth of the event over the years, participating sponsors like partner (Nike) and the Drew League Foundation.

"Their motto: We exist to create positive avenues for community residents, students and at-risk youth through prevention, mentoring and sports activities."

OKC Thunder – Rockets precursor to new rivalry?

More from Thunderous Intentions

After a wild summer of trades and free agent signings fans can’t wait for the 2017-18 season to begin. So, today’s game offers Westbrook a chance to get an early peek at the newly formed Harden – Paul backcourt.

With the moves the OKC Thunder and Rockets made this offseason there is rampant debate over which team is likely to finish second to the Warriors. Houston’s significant roster additions include All-Star Chris Paul, defensive specialist P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute. Arguably OKC’s main signings are more impressive as a whole. In terms of big star additions, Paul George would rank higher than Paul given his youth. But, factoring in Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton arguably also give OKC the edge.

It’s a topic sure to be debated right up to the 2017-18 regular season tip-off. Yet, for Russell Westbrook this early glimpse  may provide some pointers he can carry into the season.  And, for those few lucky fans who get to the arena early enough – an opportunity to witness three of the Associations best.

Home/Thunder Rumors