Russell Westbrook's journey in the NBA has been replete with both triumphs and tribulations, and the latest chapter in his career is poised to be as unpredictable as ever. After a season with the Los Angeles Clippers marked by adjustments and struggles, the dynamic guard now finds himself with the Denver Nuggets, a team that is banking on his nightly contributions to elevate their roster.
A Tale of Two Teams
Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers were characterized by their slow, mechanical playstyle, a system where every piece had its place. During December and January, the Clippers' collective talent often appeared overwhelming, their performance sharpened by the disciplined approaches of stars like Kawhi Leonard. Yet, in the midst of this dominant stretch, Westbrook found himself benched to accommodate the arrival of James Harden. The Clippers seemed roughly seven points better per 100 possessions without Westbrook on the floor during this period, revealing a clear tactical preference.
Westbrook's contributions were not entirely overshadowed. His on-ball defensive effort was commendable, and he made noticeable improvements by trimming his mid-range volume. Still, his 26% shooting from the floor during a six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks underscored a persistent struggle. As the Clippers aimed to integrate Harden and Leonard harmoniously, Westbrook's role diminished.
The Nuggets’ Calculated Gamble
Enter the Denver Nuggets, a team with its own unique set of challenges and expectations. Unlike the Clippers, the Nuggets boast a less deep roster, but they hold a trump card in 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 offense, but the rest of the team has shown vulnerabilities. In a critical Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the non-Jokic/Murray players could muster only 21 total points, exposing a significant gap in their lineup.
Coach Michael Malone has openly acknowledged the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," a role that Reggie Jackson struggled to fill effectively in consecutive postseasons. With Jackson’s departure and the arrival of Westbrook, the Nuggets hope that the veteran guard can bring stability and firepower to the second unit.
Shooting Struggles and Strategic Adjustments
The Nuggets face a pressing need to address their shooting woes, having taken the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season. Compounding this challenge, three of their more prolific three-point shooters—Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday—are no longer with the team. Replacing them, Denver has brought in Dario Saric and Westbrook, while Christian Braun is expected to step into Caldwell-Pope's role. Braun has so far maintained slightly above league-average shooting percentages, albeit at a low volume.
This preseason, Peyton Watson is also tapped for a larger role despite his shooting inconsistencies. The Nuggets' bench will now rely more heavily on young players, aligning with Calvin Booth's sustainability plan, even as Malone is compelled to utilize these developing talents.
The Road Ahead for Westbrook and the Nuggets
For Westbrook, the transition from Los Angeles to Denver represents a fresh start, but also a substantial challenge. His limitations on deep shooting and moving off the ball remain concerns, but the Nuggets see potential benefits in his defensive efforts and his ability to generate offense. In a roster that hinges on Jokic’s brilliance and Murray's support, Westbrook's experience and competitive intensity might be the elements Denver needs to shore up its depth and contend more effectively.
Booth and Malone appear optimistic about integrating Westbrook into a system that maximizes his strengths while buffering his weaknesses. However, the ideal solution for Denver might still involve a trade, potentially involving Zeke Nnaji's contract and their 2031 first-round pick, for a more flexible veteran presence. Until then, the Nuggets will depend on the veteran guard to provide much-needed stability and production, both in the starting lineup and off the bench.
As the season unfolds, Westbrook’s ability to adapt and contribute will be scrutinized closely. For now, the focus shifts to how effectively the Nuggets can blend their new and old pieces into a cohesive unit ready for the rigors of the NBA season. Only time will tell if Westbrook’s addition will propel Denver to new heights or reveal further adjustments that need to be made.