For anyone who has closely followed Russell Westbrook's turbulent journey through the NBA, his latest move to the Denver Nuggets is an intriguing chapter. Fresh off a challenging stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook now finds himself in a new environment, one loaded with both opportunities and challenges.
Struggles in Los Angeles
Westbrook's tenure with the Clippers was marked by a series of ups and downs. The Clippers, known for their slow and mechanical playstyle last season, experienced a dynamic shift during December and January when their collective talent appeared overwhelming. Kawhi Leonard's disciplined approach contributed significantly to this period of success. Notably, the Clippers' performance metrics showed that they were about seven points better per 100 possessions without Westbrook on the floor during these months. This statistical reality underscored the team's complex relationship with their star guard.
As the season progressed, Westbrook was benched to make way for James Harden, causing a ripple effect throughout the roster. His shooting woes culminated in a dismal 26% from the floor during a six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks, laying bare his struggles.
A New Beginning in Denver
Now, Westbrook finds himself with the Denver Nuggets, a team that boasts a less deep roster compared to the Clippers but relies heavily on the brilliance of Nikola Jokic. Widely regarded as the best generator of team offense in basketball, Jokic's synergy with Jamal Murray forms the backbone of Denver's offensive strategy. However, this dependence on their star duo places a significant burden on the supporting cast.
The Nuggets' recent Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves revealed glaring weaknesses, as the non-Jokic and Murray players managed to score only 21 total points. Such performances have forced Coach Michael Malone to publicly acknowledge the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray."
Building Depth
Reggie Jackson, who previously struggled to fill this role effectively in consecutive postseasons, has departed from the team. The Nuggets have thus brought in Westbrook and Dario Saric as replacements, aiming to fortify their bench. Additionally, Christian Braun is expected to step into Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's role, while Peyton Watson is projected to have a larger role within the team. This transition aligns with Calvin Booth's sustainability plan for the Nuggets, which leans heavily on developing young talent.
However, integrating Westbrook into the system is not without its challenges. His limitations in deep shooting and off-ball movement are valid concerns. The Nuggets, who took the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season, will need to adapt to maximize Westbrook's strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
Future Prospects
Booth and Malone remain optimistic about fitting Westbrook into the roster. Yet, the ideal solution for Denver might involve a trade to acquire a more flexible veteran presence, potentially involving Zeke Nnaji's contract and their 2031 first-round pick.
As it stands, the Nuggets will heavily depend on Westbrook to provide stability and production, especially considering the bench will now rely more extensively on young players. Coach Malone seems compelled by necessity to utilize and develop these emerging talents, making Westbrook's adaptation and performance pivotal for the team's success.
Westbrook's journey from the Clippers to the Nuggets illustrates the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, where a player's fortunes can pivot dramatically. For the Nuggets, the hope is that this new chapter in Westbrook's career will be marked by triumph rather than tribulation. Only time will tell if this veteran guard can reinvigorate his game and provide the much-needed spark behind Jamal Murray, fulfilling Coach Malone's expressed need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray."