The Denver Nuggets are entering a new era, blending seasoned veteran experience with youthful energy as they retool their roster for the upcoming season. This offseason, the team made a pivotal decision to shake things up, diverging from the familiar squad of last season. A prominent move in their strategy involved acquiring 35-year-old former MVP Russell Westbrook from the LA Clippers, positioning him as a key piece of their renewed ambition.
Westbrook, who is entering his 17th year in the NBA, switched to Denver following a stint with the Clippers where he averaged 11 points, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists in just over 22 minutes of play per game. His shooting splits last season were 45% from the field, 27% from three-point range, and 69% from the free-throw line. Despite these numbers, his impact on the court goes beyond statistics. Westbrook's tenacity and vigor are qualities that Nuggets head coach Michael Malone highly values.
"Russ is a game-changer. You just love the energy, the voice. You can hear Russ coming," Malone remarked, emphasizing the influence Westbrook is expected to have. Describing the new recruit’s dedication, Malone added, "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."
The Veteran Leadership
Westbrook’s arrival in Denver is seen as a move to inject a different culture and mindset into the team. Known for his high-energy play and fierce competitiveness, Westbrook's presence is expected to elevate the intensity of the Nuggets. Nuggets player DeAndre Jordan underscored this sentiment: "Russ brings a different culture and a different mindset to a team -- a different energy. I think that he's gonna be that burst of energy that we need on both sides of the floor."
Indeed, this high-octane energy is a hallmark of Westbrook's playing style. "I think that people confuse intensity with competitiveness," Westbrook himself noted. "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."
Role and Expectations
In Denver, Westbrook is expected to provide significant support off the bench, backing up the impressive 27-year-old Jamal Murray. While he might not be the go-to scorer from deep, given his 27% shooting from behind the arc and 37% from mid-range last season, Westbrook excels in other crucial areas. Notably, he performed in the 24th percentile in shots at the rim but ranked in the 64th percentile for cuts, highlighting his versatility and ability to adapt his game.
Westbrook is not just joining to fill minutes; he’s there to compete at the highest level and push his teammates to new heights. "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 affirmed. His words reflect not only his personal philosophy but also the competitive spirit he brings to the Nuggets.
The synergy between Westbrook’s seasoned experience and the youthful dynamism of players like Murray is poised to create an invigorated Nuggets roster, aiming to surpass the achievements of previous seasons. As the team integrates their new acquisition, all eyes will be on how this blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent translates into performance on the court. For the Denver Nuggets, the journey with Russell Westbrook has just begun, promising an exciting chapter in the franchise's history.