The Denver Nuggets are hoping to overcome a rocky offseason with the shrewd additions they made to replace the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. One of their main signings was former league MVP Russell Westbrook, who Nuggets starter Jamal Murray is excited to play alongside, as he revealed on the franchise’s media day.
“Russ brings his own energy whether you’re with him or not,” Murray said. “That’s the best part. He’s ready to compete, ready to push everybody,” he continued. “I think the greatest part is he holds himself accountable, and he’s not just all talk. He goes out, works hard, and leads by example. I think everything he’s done and will do for us will be great.”
Westbrook commented on playing alongside Murray himself during Nuggets media day, vowing to push the talented scoring guard to be even better.
“My job is to be able to push Jamal to be the best he can be and play at the highest level he can. He’s an unbelievable player and still has so much room to get better in a lot of areas, and I’m grateful to be here and to help him along that journey.”
Many people are torn on Westbrook being the Nuggets’ biggest addition after their second-round exit last season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns away might have given Denver a better opportunity to compete for a title in the West, but Westbrook’s addition hasn’t been difference-making in his last few stops.
Russell Westbrook Is Not Changing Who He Is To Fit In On The Nuggets
Westbrook is coming into this season after averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists with the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
Losing his starting spot to James Harden on the Clippers irked Westbrook, who will likely have a featured bench role with the Nuggets. He hopes that the Nuggets put him in a position to succeed after the rough end to his time with the Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers before that.
“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in a position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position. Being able to be here and coach Malone allowing me to be able to use my speed, use my transition skills to make other guys better. It makes the game for everyone else around me and that’s what I love to do best.”
Westbrook off the bench is likely playmaker insurance in non-Nikola Jokic minutes, as the Nuggets have consistently fallen off a cliff in non-Jokic minutes. Westbrook has struggled to fit in as a role player on major minutes, so maybe a featured bench role with shorter but more impactful stints is a better way to put his talents to use.
Westbrook as a veteran guard can maximize production from the likes of Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, and Christian Braun, three youngsters expected to play minutes this season to replace the departures in recent seasons.
The Nuggets had Reggie Jackson as their backup point guard for the last few seasons, with Westbrook being a marked improvement over that. Hopefully, he can finally find a spot where he can have sustained success, as this is his fifth team in five years.
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