“Regardless of point guard or not, they got to be able to shoot because you know in the playoffs, the stars are not going to have all that type of space.”

The players, however, didn’t share Frank’s viewpoint on point guards. Paul George openly campaigned for Westbrook, saying “We need a point guard.”

Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris Sr. chimed in with their support for Westbrook as well. Morris said, “Man, we’ll take him. We’ll love him. We’re open arms, come on and let’s try to get to the championship.”

Although not guaranteed, Westbrook is expected, at some point, to start alongside George and Kawhi Leonard with Ivica Zubac and Morris, sending Terance Mann to the bench.

Mann had been establishing himself as a reliable starter in a non-traditional point guard role, averaging 15 points and 2.9 assists in his past seven games.

Now, the Clippers must see whether Westbrook’s ball-handling skills fit into the team’s already established scheme of having Leonard or George bring up the ball, a task left to coach Tyronn Lue, who will have just 23 games left to figure out.

While Westbrook brings championship experience to the Clippers, he also carries baggage, primarily from his one-plus seasons with the Lakers. The 34-year-old former league MVP struggled to fit in with the Lakers and drew heavy criticism. He was making $47.1 million this year but had shooting struggles and questionable late-game decisions, and was coming off the bench.

Still, Westbrook was in the lineup every day and contributing 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game. He can push the tempo and get to the free-throw line.

“He prepares like one of the best in the game,” Morris said. “He’s one of the greatest players that ever played the game. And you know, it’s funny how people just like to try to tear down his career.”

Westbrook had discussed deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat in recent days, but the chance to compete for a championship and remain in Los Angeles played a significant part in his decision to choose the Clippers, the ESPN report said.

Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, GM Justin Zanik and coach Will Hardy reportedly told Westbrook last Friday that they would welcome him reporting to the team, but that their organization was prioritizing and playing its younger players and would make no assurances on minutes or role size.