Russell Westbrook's journey in the NBA has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. His most recent chapter unfolded with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he endured a season of numerous adjustments and struggles. Now, Westbrook finds himself with a new challenge, as he dons the uniform of the Denver Nuggets.
The Los Angeles Clippers, known for their slow, mechanical playstyle last season, saw a notable shift in performance during December and January. The Clippers exhibited an overwhelming collective talent, with Kawhi Leonard adopting a disciplined approach that significantly bolstered their play. However, the team seemed to perform better without Westbrook on the floor during this period, showing an improved net rating of roughly seven points per 100 possessions.
Westbrook’s tenure with the Clippers hit another snag when James Harden arrived, leading to Westbrook being benched. His struggles were further amplified during a six-game first-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where he shot just 26% from the floor.
A New Chapter with the Nuggets
Now with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook joins a team with a less deep roster compared to the Clippers but one with tremendous potential. The Nuggets' offense revolves around Nikola Jokic, widely regarded as the best generator of team offense in basketball, with his synergy with Jamal Murray forming the backbone of their strategy.
Despite this, the Nuggets struggled in key moments, such as Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the non-Jokic/Murray players combined for only 21 total points. Coach Michael Malone highlighted a critical need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," a role that Reggie Jackson tried but failed to fill effectively in consecutive postseasons. With Jackson now departed, Westbrook steps into the picture as the potential answer to this pressing need.
Integrating Westbrook into the Nuggets' system presents both opportunities and challenges. Denver took the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season, a statistic that underscores their reliance on Jokic's playmaking. The departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday saw the Nuggets bring in Dario Saric and Westbrook as their replacements, while young talents like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are expected to step into larger roles.
Challenges and Opportunities
Christian Braun, slated to fill Caldwell-Pope's shoes, has shown slightly above league-average shooting percentages but at a low volume. This transition aligns with Calvin Booth's sustainability plan for the Nuggets, emphasizing reliance on young players from the bench. Coach Malone is therefore compelled to invest in and utilize these developing talents.
Westbrook's limitations, particularly his deep shooting and off-the-ball movement, are concerns that the Nuggets must address. Yet, Booth and Malone remain optimistic about integrating Westbrook into their system. They believe his experience and skills can provide the stability and production the team needs.
While there’s hope that Westbrook’s veteran presence will bolster the Nuggets, the ideal solution for the team might involve a trade. The trade could potentially include Zeke Nnaji's contract and their 2031 first-round pick to secure a more flexible veteran presence, a move that could add depth and adaptability to their lineup.
As the season unfolds, the Nuggets will lean on Westbrook to contribute significantly, while their younger players continue to develop under the guidance of their coaching staff. Whether through trades or internal growth, the Nuggets' strategy will be closely watched as they aim to build a cohesive and competitive unit around the exemplary talents of Jokic and Murray.