In the wake of a disappointing end to their title defense, the Denver Nuggets are retooling with a blend of veteran experience and youthful energy. The 2023 offseason saw a significant roster change as the Nuggets front office decided to forgo the familiarity of last season's squad in favor of bringing in 35-year-old former MVP Russell Westbrook. As Westbrook enters his 17th year in the NBA, his arrival is already generating considerable buzz within the organization.
A New Chapter for Westbrook
Westbrook's move to Denver follows a stint with the LA Clippers, where he averaged 11 points, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists in a little over 22 minutes per game. His shooting splits were 45% from the field, a less-than-stellar 27% from behind the arc, and 69% from the free-throw line. Despite these figures, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is enthusiastic about what Westbrook brings to the table, particularly highlighting his leadership and energy.
"Russ is a game-changer. You just love the energy, the voice. You can hear Russ coming," Malone said during Nuggets training camp on Friday. "First guy in the gym -- he was here working out at 8 a.m. today. For a 17-year vet that's accomplished everything he's accomplished, I just love the intangibles that he brings to us. I think that's gonna raise the bar. We're gonna be a more competitive team because of that. He's gonna push guys, he's gonna challenge guys, and challenge me. And I think we're all excited for that."
Veteran Insights
Westbrook's new teammate, veteran center DeAndre Jordan, echoed Malone's sentiments, praising the veteran guard's impact on team culture and energy. "Russ brings a different culture and a different mindset to a team -- a different energy," Jordan said at Thursday's Media Day. "I think that he's gonna be that burst of energy that we need on both sides of the floor."
At 35 years old, Westbrook's physical game may not be what it once was, but he has managed to adapt and remain effective in different aspects. Last season, he performed in the 24th percentile in shots at the rim but excelled in cuts, ranking in the 64th percentile, according to Synergy Sports. His efficient cutting, pace pushing, and offensive glass crashing are expected to be significant contributions to the Nuggets.
The Competitor's Mindset
Westbrook himself is keenly aware of how his intensity is often perceived. "I think that people confuse intensity with competitiveness," he said during Nuggets Media Day on Thursday. "When I compete, when I'm on the floor, I don't want to be walking around shaking hands, kissing babies -- I don't really want to do that. I'm there to -- excuse my language, but, kick some ass."
"When I am competing, I want to compete at the highest level, and that part of me will never change as long as I'm competing in this game. And I'm grateful for the opportunity," Westbrook added. This competitive fire is something the Nuggets hope will transcend beyond the box scores and help instill a winning mindset throughout the squad.
Strategic Shifts
Westbrook is expected to back up 27-year-old Jamal Murray, a strategic move aimed at ensuring consistent offensive pressure on opponents. While the primary expectation may not be for Westbrook to lead in scoring, his role as a catalyst off the bench, pushing pace, and contributing on the offensive glass could provide the Nuggets with the edge they need in close contests.
Last season, his shooting percentages — 27% from behind the arc and 37% from mid-range — indicate areas needing improvement. Nevertheless, his experienced presence and ability to perform in critical game moments cannot be understated. Denver will be looking to capitalize on these strengths as they aim to mount another significant playoff run.
Looking Forward
As training camp progresses, the synergy between Westbrook and his new teammates will be something to watch. Issues like shot selection and synchronization with Denver’s existing stars will need to be carefully managed. However, the optimism surrounding Westbrook's addition is palpable.
Ultimately, the hope is that Westbrook's experience, coupled with his still-potent athleticism, will help the Nuggets build on their success and address the gaps that saw their previous campaign end prematurely. As the season approaches, the integration of Westbrook's dynamic style with Denver's system promises to be one of the more intriguing storylines in what is shaping up to be an exciting season for the franchise.