Russell Westbrook's journey in the NBA has seen its share of highs and lows, from his All-Star performances to the more recent struggles he faced with the Los Angeles Clippers. As he transitions to the Denver Nuggets, the question on everyone's mind is whether this new chapter will see a revival in his form or a continuation of his challenges.
Last season with the Clippers was particularly turbulent for Westbrook. The team's slow, mechanical playstyle did not mesh well with his dynamic approach. Despite his best efforts, the Clippers appeared to be more efficient without him on the court, outperforming opponents by approximately seven points per 100 possessions during December and January when he was off the floor. Adjustments continued as Westbrook had to be benched to make room for James Harden, further complicating his role on the team. His 26% shooting from the floor during the six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks was perhaps indicative of his struggle to find a rhythm.
Westbrook's arrival at the Denver Nuggets marks a fresh start, but not without its challenges. The Nuggets, unlike the Clippers, have a less deep roster and primarily rely on their superstar, Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as one of the best generators of team offense in basketball. Jokic's synergy with Jamal Murray forms the backbone of Denver's offensive strategy, making it imperative for the supporting cast to find their footing quickly.
A New Role for Westbrook
Denver's head coach Michael Malone has already acknowledged the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," a role that Reggie Jackson struggled to fill effectively in previous seasons. With Jackson's departure, Westbrook is expected to step up. However, integrating into Malone's system will require overcoming certain limitations. Westbrook's struggles with deep shooting and off-the-ball movement are well-documented concerns that the team hopes to address.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism. Booth and Malone seem committed to incorporating Westbrook's unique skill set into the Nuggets' gameplay. The team’s less aggressive approach to three-point shooting last season, taking the fewest in the NBA, might ironically benefit Westbrook, who is better known for his driving and mid-range game.
Changes in the Roster
The Nuggets have experienced several roster changes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday are no longer with the team, with Dario Saric and Westbrook brought in as their replacements. Young talents like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are expected to step into more prominent roles as part of Calvin Booth's sustainability plan for the Nuggets. Braun, in particular, will likely fill Caldwell-Pope's spot, offering slightly above league-average shooting percentages at a low volume, which adds another dimension to Denver's roster.
Coach Malone faces the challenge of relying more heavily on developing talents from the bench. With Braun and Watson expected to contribute more significantly, the balance between nurturing young players and leveraging Westbrook's experience will be crucial.
Possible Trade Solutions
Rumors suggest that the Nuggets might look into a trade to secure a more flexible veteran presence. A potential deal could involve Zeke Nnaji's contract and a 2031 first-round pick, aimed at bolstering the team's depth and versatility.
In the meantime, Westbrook's contributions will be pivotal. His ability to provide stability and production off the bench could determine Denver's success this season. While the fit might not be perfect right away, the organization's leadership is hopeful that with time and adaptation, Westbrook can indeed make a significant impact.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Westbrook integrates into a Nuggets team that is structured differently but is equally ambitious in its championship aspirations. The balance between youth and experience, combined with strategic gameplay adjustments, will be key in shaping Denver's journey ahead.