Russell Westbrook's journey in the NBA has been a storied one, filled with both remarkable achievements and daunting challenges. Fresh off a season with the Los Angeles Clippers that saw numerous adjustments and struggles, Westbrook is now embarking on a new chapter with the Denver Nuggets.
The Clippers' Struggles and Adjustments
Westbrook's tenure with the Clippers was marked by a playing style that many described as slow and mechanical. Despite this, during December and January, the collective talent of the Clippers seemed formidable, with Kawhi Leonard leading a disciplined approach on the court. However, statistics revealed a stark contrast: the Clippers appeared roughly seven points better per 100 possessions when Westbrook was off the floor during this period. This ultimately led to his benching to make room for James Harden. His struggles culminated in a six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where he managed just 26% shooting from the floor, underscoring a difficult season.
A New Beginning in Denver
Now with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook hopes to find a better fit and rejuvenate his career. The Nuggets, characterized by a less deep roster compared to the Clippers, bank heavily on the talents of Nikola Jokic. Renowned as the best team offense generator in basketball, Jokic's synergy with Jamal Murray forms the heart of Denver's offensive tactics. However, a glaring issue became apparent during a Game 7 clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where players apart from Jokic and Murray could muster only 21 points combined.
Coach Michael Malone publicly acknowledged the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," as Reggie Jackson struggled to fill this role effectively in consecutive postseasons. With Jackson now departed, the Nuggets have enlisted Westbrook’s services to address this critical gap.
Roster Changes and New Strategies
As part of their roster overhaul, the Nuggets took the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season. The departure of key contributors like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday has propelled Denver to bring in replacements such as Dario Saric and, notably, Westbrook.
Filling Caldwell-Pope's shoes will be Christian Braun, who has shown slightly above league-average shooting percentages, albeit at a low volume. Furthermore, Peyton Watson is expected to assume a larger role, aligning with Calvin Booth's sustainability plan which emphasizes the importance of developing young talent. Consequently, the Nuggets' bench will see a heavier reliance on these emerging players, pushing Malone to utilize developing talents more frequently.
Westbrook's Role and Potential Trades
Westbrook's integration into the Nuggets system does come with concerns. His limitations in deep shooting and off-ball movement might pose challenges, but both Booth and Malone remain optimistic about successfully weaving Westbrook into their strategic framework.
There is also speculation that the ideal remedy for Denver's roster might involve a trade. A potential trade package could include Zeke Nnaji’s contract and the Nuggets' 2031 first-round pick in exchange for a more versatile veteran presence. Such a trade would aim to bolster Denver's depth and provide the flexibility they currently lack.
At this juncture, the Nuggets rely on Westbrook to deliver stability and production, hoping that his experience and drive can fill the void left by his predecessors. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Westbrook can adapt and thrive within Denver's scheme, potentially guiding the Nuggets towards greater success.