Westbrook and Beal are both under scrutiny! NBA scout: Heat should prioritize Russell over them

On August 2, Beijing time, Heat beat reporter Winderman interviewed a veteran NBA scout about the team's potential free-agent targets. Regarding guards, the scout believes that both Westbrook and Beal have significant problems, and he would rather select Russell over them.

When asked about the 37-year-old Westbrook's suitability for the Heat, the scout said directly: "Even if I had a million years, I would never sign him. You can't predict his performance on the court at all. Yes, he occasionally puts up explosive games, I admit that. But his shooting is terrible, he plays only according to his own rhythm, can't fit into a system, and his defense is unreliable. Sure, he can put up impressive numbers and occasionally help a team win. But if your goal is to build a team that truly has championship potential, you shouldn't bring him in."

Westbrook spent his first 11 seasons (2008–2019) with the Thunder. During that period, he was named to the All-NBA Team eight times (including two First Team selections) and won the 2016–17 MVP. In that era, he averaged 23.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game. With this illustrious resume, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and will surely be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

After leaving the Thunder, Westbrook moved through six teams, his career full of ups and downs. Last season with the Kings, he averaged 29 minutes per game, posting 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.

As for the 33-year-old Beal, the scout remarked: "He only played six games last season, all hampered by injuries. If he returns to health, he certainly still has something left. But in my view, signing him is a complete gamble. He might bounce back, but the odds are not favorable. His two-year stint with the Suns was decent. If you're counting on him to be a consistent contributor, I think the Heat should prioritize other options. There may not be many teams competing for Beal either."

On the other hand, D'Angelo Russell, who has been frequently criticized in recent years, received the scout's endorsement. He believes the Heat should prioritize Russell over Westbrook and Beal.

"He (Russell) still has talent. He's an interesting player. But he gradually lost the trust of his teams everywhere he went. His outstanding ability will attract teams. He has the skills of a point guard: he can score, pass, drive and kick, shoot, and create his own shot. Passing has always been his strength. Defense is a clear weakness. Compared to Beal and Westbrook, I would choose Russell first."