Point guard Russell Westbrook is expected to join the Denver Nuggets after a two-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. When Westbrook joins the Nuggets officially, he will be on his third team since 2021. Since Westbrook is projected to play alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, is this Russell Westbrook’s last run in the NBA?
Is this Russell Westbrook’s Last Run in the NBA?
How Could Westbrook Contribute to the Nuggets?
The 2017 NBA MVP will embark on a new journey in the mile-high city along with Jokic and Jamal Murray. Denver recently won the 2023 NBA championship and has been touted as championship contenders for the better part of four years.
Denver’s season ended in the semi-final round against the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves in a seven-game affair, but it was evident the Nuggets weren’t the same team it was a season ago that won the title. After the championship victory, Denver lost key pieces off of its bench such as Bruce Brown and Thomas Bryant. Furthermore, Murray was clearly hindered throughout the postseason after having suffered a calf injury. Additionally, Denver failed to retain another key contributor in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. So how does Westbrook fit?
Westbrook is a high-motor, high-energy player who can contribute in a plethora of ways on the court. The former Los Angeles Clippers guard posted a stat line of 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4 assists while having come off the bench last season. However, Westbrook displays hustle and intensity which doesn’t show on the stat sheet. In fact, Westbrook earned two 3rd place votes and finished seventh overall in the Sixth Man of the Year voting, respectively.
The nine-time all-star will play alongside Jokic, who is arguably the best passing center in NBA history. The three-time NBA MVP’s playstyle can mesh in any system since he’s not a ball-dominant player. Jokic can aid Westbrook in getting solid looks at the basket since he isn’t exactly an efficient shooter from distance. Furthermore, Murray has a track record of missing ample games due to injury over his career. Since 2021, Murray played in only 172 games out of a possible 236, respectively. On the other hand, Westbrook played in 68 games last season.
If Westbrook and Denver Don’t Work, Could Westbrook Be Out of The League?
Westbrook will enter his 17th season when the 2024 season starts. The 2008 first-round pick’s playstyle is predicated by his supreme athleticism which has deteriorated as he turns the age of 36 during the season. At this point, Westbrook likely won’t sign any long-term deals with any team and for now can provide a spark on the team’s second unit.
At 35 going on 36 years of age, Westbrook is clearly closer to the end rather than the beginning. Westbrook’s counterparts (in age) such as Stephen Curry (36) and Kevin Durant (36 in September) are still All-NBA caliber players while he’s been relegated to the bench. Yes, Westbrook plays differently than them, but the point is still valid.
If Westbrook can provide perhaps 13 points and 6/7 assists per game, that should suffice for Denver this season. Furthermore, based on Westbrook’s popularity and NBA resume, it could perhaps earn him additional years in the league regardless.
The Last Word On Is this Russell Westbrook’s Last Run in the NBA?
Westbrook is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The combo-guard accumulated two all-star game MVPs, two all-NBA first teams, five all-NBA second teams, two scoring titles, and was named to the 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Additionally, Westbrook recorded a triple-double for three consecutive seasons, respectively.
The Nuggets and Westbrook pairing could very well be his last ride in the association, but the former MVP’s legacy is set in stone no matter what happens.
