The Denver Nuggets signed Russell Westbrook this offseason to be a key contributor for the team off the bench, playing as their sixth man behind point guard Jamal Murray. Westbrook is excited to start this season alongside Murray, promising to push the Nuggets guard to be the best player he can be to Fadeaway World ahead of the Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets preseason matchup in Abu Dhabi.
“So far so good. It’s my job to push him every night to be the best that he can be. I look forward to starting the year with him.”
When Murray was asked about playing alongside Russ, the 27-year-old guard commended his veteran teammate’s energy and competitive spirit.
“He brings energy, passion, and loves this game. He brings leadership, a competitive atmosphere, and spirit, it’s always fun to go out there and practice.”
Murray also spoke about the team’s overall chemistry through training camp after changes to the roster over the summer, including the departure of 2023 Champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
“It’s good, man. That’s why we’re here, just team bonding, having fun playing basketball with each other. It’s nice to be in a new environment and spend a lot of time with each other.”
Murray averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists last season, hoping to improve his overall regular season productions and potentially make his first All-Star game.
In lineups where Murray is playing alongside either Nikola Jokic or Russell Westbrook, he’ll still be expected to be the primary scorer, with both Jokic and Russ excelling as playmakers.
Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season while performing a bench role for the Los Angeles Clippers. There were clear improvements in Russ’ game as a POA defender and as a role-playing guard instead of a ball-dominant volume scorer.
He’ll have to continue evolving his game to maximize his effectiveness in Denver and hopefully bring home a championship ring.
Russell Westbrook’s Longevity Has Been Impressive
For someone as athletic and bombastic as Westbrook, it’s surprising to many that he’s still playing at the level he is at age 35. There has been a clear decline in overall production and efficiency as he’s aged, but his defensive strides and ability to still influence games have been great.
Given the recent retirement of Derrick Rose, a point guard in a similar mold as Westbrook, I asked the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader what is the secret behind his longevity.
“You have to be grateful and blessed. Understanding my craft, understanding how important it is to take care of your body and time, the time you spend with the game and the time you spend away from it. I understand very well and do what I need to do.”
Westbrook has done everything he can to keep himself effective at the highest level, but he’s soon gonna hit the same wall most guards do after the age of 35 and retire from the game. Before that day comes, let’s see if he can be the piece the Nuggets need to win another title this season.
Read more from my coverage for Fadeaway World at the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi Games – Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets.
EXCLUSIVE: Lonnie Walker Opens Up On Celtics’ Expectation And Potential G League Minutes
Michael Malone Gets Real On Nuggets Starting Lineup, KAT Trade, And Training Camp
Russell Westbrook And Al Horford Give Derrick Rose His Flowers After Retirement Announcement
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