Russell Westbrook's NBA journey has been fraught with both triumphs and tribulations, and his latest chapter with the Denver Nuggets will be no different. After a season with the Los Angeles Clippers where he faced numerous adjustments and struggles, Westbrook now finds himself tasked with new challenges in a fresh environment. His tenure with the Clippers saw instances of both brilliance and inefficiency, notably being benched to make way for James Harden and struggling with a meager 26% shooting performance in a six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
A Struggling Clippers' Stint
The Los Angeles Clippers, characterized by their slow, mechanical playstyle last season, experienced a rollercoaster of performances. In December and January, their collective talent seemed overwhelming, with Kawhi Leonard steering the team with disciplined play. However, data suggested that the Clippers performed roughly seven points better per 100 possessions without Westbrook on the floor. Despite flashes of promise, it was a difficult period for the former MVP, culminating in his benching and subsequent reassessment of his role.
New Beginnings with the Nuggets
Now, Westbrook is with the Denver Nuggets, a team that, while less deep than the Clippers, relies heavily on the formidable duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic is widely regarded as the best generator of team offense in basketball, and his synergy with Murray forms the backbone of Denver's strategy. Yet, the supporting cast has shown weaknesses; in a crucial Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, players outside the Jokic-Murray tandem managed only 21 points.
Head Coach Michael Malone has openly acknowledged the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray." Reggie Jackson, who previously occupied this role, struggled to perform effectively in consecutive postseasons and has now departed from the team, making way for Westbrook.
Adjustments and Integrations
The Nuggets have made several other strategic changes, bringing in Dario Saric alongside Westbrook to replace the departed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday. With a roster that took the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season, depth and scoring efficiency remain areas of concern.
Christian Braun is expected to fill Caldwell-Pope's role, boasting slightly above league-average shooting percentages, albeit at a low volume. Additionally, Peyton Watson is poised for an increased role, aligning with General Manager Calvin Booth's sustainability plan for the team. This approach places a heavier reliance on young talent, compelling Coach Malone to more actively engage with developing players.
Challenges and Optimism
Despite Westbrook's known limitations in deep shooting and off-ball movement, both Booth and Malone remain optimistic about integrating him into the Nuggets' system. They believe he can provide the stability and production the team sorely needs, even if his shooting percentages make some fans skeptical.
The ideal solution for Denver may lie in a potential trade, rumored to involve Zeke Nnaji's contract and a 2031 first-round pick, aimed at securing a more flexible veteran presence. In the meantime, however, the Nuggets are entrusting Westbrook with a significant role, hoping his experience and drive will elevate the team.
As the Nuggets embark on this new phase with Westbrook, the challenges are clear, but the potential for success remains tantalizing. Both the player and the team are eager to prove themselves, and their journey together will undoubtedly be one of the most watched narratives in the NBA this season.