Russell Westbrook's NBA career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, a journey punctuated by moments of brilliance and spells of struggle. His latest chapter unfolds with the Denver Nuggets, a team that will be navigating changes in pursuit of maintaining their competitive edge.
A Rocky Season with the Clippers
Westbrook's time with the Los Angeles Clippers presented a blend of excitement and challenges. As he tried to find his rhythm, the team experienced a season marked by its slow, mechanical playstyle. There was a period during December and January when the collective talent of the Clippers seemed insurmountable, with players like Kawhi Leonard showcasing a disciplined approach. However, the team seemed to perform roughly seven points better per 100 possessions when Westbrook was not on the floor. The arrival of James Harden saw Westbrook benched, highlighting the struggles in adjusting to a new role.
His shooting woes became starkly evident during a first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where he managed just 26% shooting from the floor over six games. The Clippers' underperformance underscored the challenges in integrating a high-caliber player like Westbrook effectively within the team framework.
Denver Nuggets’ Strategic Moves
This offseason, the Denver Nuggets made headlines by acquiring Westbrook. Unlike the Clippers, the Nuggets' roster lacks depth, heavily relying on the phenomenal playmaking abilities of Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as the best generator of team offense in basketball. Jokic's synergy with Jamal Murray forms the backbone of Denver's offensive strategy.
However, cracks were apparent during a crucial Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the rest of the team, aside from Jokic and Murray, could only muster 21 points combined. Coach Michael Malone emphasized the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," pointing to the team's need for stability and depth in the guard positions.
Reggie Jackson, who struggled to fill this backup role effectively, is no longer with the team. In his place, Westbrook steps in, bringing both his tenacity and the baggage of his limitations. The Nuggets, a team known for taking the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season, will have to integrate Westbrook’s game into their system, which leans on Jokic and Murray’s exceptional playmaking.
Young Talent and Strategic Shifts
Denver has also made roster changes, introducing Dario Saric and Westbrook while letting go of players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Justin Holiday. The shift points to a deliberate plan by Calvin Booth, aiming for a sustainable future by relying more on developing talents. Christian Braun is expected to step into Caldwell-Pope's role, bringing his slightly above league-average shooting percentages, albeit at a low volume.
Peyton Watson is also expected to see an expanded role, aligning with the overall strategy to freshen the team dynamics with young legs. This transition compels Coach Malone to make greater use of developing players, injecting youthful energy into the bench strength—a critical factor in the grueling NBA season.
Integrating Westbrook’s Strengths and Overcoming Limitations
Despite the optimism surrounding Westbrook’s acquisition, his well-documented limitations on deep shooting and moving off the ball present concerns. Booth and Malone, however, remain hopeful about smoothly integrating him into the Nuggets’ system.
If the existing formula struggles, trading options remain on the table, potentially involving Zeke Nnaji’s contract and their 2031 first-round pick to bring in a more flexible veteran presence. But until then, integrating Westbrook effectively is crucial for Denver’s aspirations this season.
The challenge will be for the Nuggets to harness Westbrook’s explosive capabilities while mitigating his weaknesses. The combined efforts of Jokic, Murray, and an effectively used Westbrook could provide the stability and production required to navigate the highs and lows of a competitive NBA season.