Russell Westbrook is back in the NBA’s Northwest Division, this time with the Denver Nuggets. ESPN reported that the former MVP will spend his 17th season with the Nuggets.
Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz from the Los Angeles Clippers, but he received a buyout on his deal, setting up the play for Denver to acquire him.
Westbrook ascended to superstar status while a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning the 2016-17 MVP, breaking Oscar Robertson’s single-season triple-double record, and becoming one of two players to average a triple-double through a season.
With Los Angeles, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points on 45.4% shooting, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists off the bench. He’s now paired with the best big man he’s ever played alongside, along with another top point guard.
Denver is his fifth team in six seasons, but this may be his bench chance to secure the coveted championship ring.
What makes this such a great move? It fits both parties like a glove.
The Nuggets’ offensive production slipped when Nikola Jokic wasn’t on the floor. With Westbrook, he isn’t the same player who once averaged 31.6 points per game, but the mindset is still there, and he’ll always be good for a bucket when needed.
The Nuggets, who won the 2023 NBA title, only need a little to get back to a championship-caliber team, but their defense could use an upgrade.
As Westbrook’s offensive skill has declined, he’s emphasized his defensive prowess, which aided in his getting to the league in the first place out of UCLA. That was displayed in his two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 2023-24, with Westbrook on the court, the Clippers were 17th in the league in defensive efficiency (115.4). The Clippers fell to a bottom-three defensive team in the league, with Westbrook on the bench with a 119.1 defensive rating.
Russ’s best chance is now; luckily, he’s not a shell of himself. He can still contribute to a championship team, which he’s attempting to do. Unfortunately, it may be a fight between his current and former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
