Ahead of his 17th NBA season, Russell Westbrook held nothing back during his annual media day press conference. During one particularly interesting moment, Westbrook was asked about being booed throughout his career, to which he referenced the iconic Kobe Bryant.
Reporter: “Like Kobe Bryant in the past, you have always been kind of public enemy number one in terms of fan hate. What’s it like playing in front of a Denver crowd that will pump you up?”
Westbrook: “Over the course of my career, I’ve been booed and all that stuff everywhere else, but I take it as a sign of respect just like the late Kobe Bryant… If people don’t say anything, then you should be worried.”
There was a time that Westbrook was one of the best point guards in the league and he’s the only player to date to have four triple-double seasons in the NBA. His new teammate, Nikola Jokic, has yet to accomplish the feat but he’s tallied more triple-doubles than anyone over the past few years. Now on the same side, it will be fun to see how Westbrook and Jokic keep up on the stat sheet with each other in the way.
Interestingly, when Westbrook was asked about a potential triple-double race with the big man, he was quick to point out that his only priority is winning.
Reporter: “Have you and Nikola talked about the triple-double race at all?”
Westbrook: “No we have not had a conversation about it. I don’t know if there’s a race or not but we have not talked about it at all. Nikola is the best player in the world and he’s playing at the highest level and all we care about (he will probably say the same) is winning basketball games and that’s it.”
Westbrook, 35, has been a bit of an NBA journeyman over the past few years. Since his peak days in Oklahoma City ended, he’s been wandering around the league trying to find the right situation.
The Nuggets could be that place for him and many have already noted how comfortable he looks in his new threads. According to head coach Michael Malone, he and his players have great respect for Westbrook, his character, and the energy he brings to the game.
Reporter: “With as many young guys as you have on this roster, because there are a lot of guys who grew up watching Russell Westbrook in his prime, I’m curious as to if he’s had any impact since signing with the team.”
Michael Malone: “I just have so much respect for his body of work. The only thing that he hasn’t accomplished is winning an NBA championship… Russ was in the gym yesterday, and there was just a different energy. I can’t explain it..”
Ultimately, only time will tell how this latest stint ends up for Russell Westbrook. After 16 years in the NBA, he’s put everything on the table for his teams and now he’s banking on it paying off in the ultimate way.
After leaving the Clippers, many critics thought Westbrook was set to be exiled from the league but his resume as a former MVP, 9x All-Star, and generational point guard demanded that he be given another chance.
On a stable team with the Nuggets, and alongside the best player in the world, this is the best opportunity that Russ has had to win a title and complete a redemption arc that will restore his NBA legacy. But to ensure success with his new team, Westbrook will need to fully accept his new role and be willing to embrace whatever lies ahead.
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