Denver Nuggets Inject Veteran Savvy with Addition of Russell Westbrook
The Denver Nuggets are repositioning themselves for another strong season with a strategic blend of veteran experience and youthful dynamism. This 2023 offseason marks a significant shift in the roster, as the front office moved away from last season's familiar faces to create a refreshed lineup. Central to these changes is the acquisition of 35-year-old former MVP, Russell Westbrook, who brings his 17 years of NBA experience to Denver after his recent stint with the LA Clippers.
During his time with the Clippers, Westbrook made notable contributions, averaging 11 points, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game across just over 22 minutes on the floor. His shooting percentages showed mixed results — 45% from the field, 27% from three-point range, and 69% from the free-throw line, but his value extended beyond these metrics.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is enthusiastic about what Westbrook brings to the team. "Russ is a game-changer. You just love the energy, the voice. You can hear Russ coming," Malone stated. The head coach is particularly impressed with Westbrook's dedication and work ethic. "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," Malone added.
This sense of responsibility and leadership is echoed by Westbrook's new teammates. Veteran center DeAndre Jordan emphasized the cultural shift Westbrook introduces: "Russ brings a different culture and a different mindset to a team — a different energy." Jordan believes Westbrook's presence can be transformative, stating, "I think that he's gonna be that burst of energy that we need on both sides of the floor."
While Westbrook's aggressive style on the court is sometimes misunderstood, he remains unapologetic about his competitive nature. "I think that people confuse intensity with competitiveness," Westbrook remarked. He also underscored his focused mentality during games: "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." This tenacious attitude is core to his enduring success in the league. "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," he asserted.
Westbrook’s stats from last season provide a layered picture of his game. He excelled in cuts, ranking in the 64th percentile, a testament to his off-ball activity and ability to find ways to contribute effectively even when not in possession. However, he performed in the 24th percentile in shots at the rim, an area that may need addressing to maximize his impact on the Nuggets.
Looking ahead, Westbrook is expected to support 27-year-old Jamal Murray, providing a reliable backup option and bringing valuable insights from his extensive career. This strategic move positions the Nuggets to harness Westbrook’s high energy and competitive drive, potentially elevating the overall team performance.
As the Denver Nuggets continue to fine-tune their roster, the addition of a seasoned and driven player like Russell Westbrook signifies a commitment to not just maintain but improve their competitive edge. His unique blend of wisdom from years in the league and his relentless approach to the game could very well be the catalyst the Nuggets need to ascend even higher in the NBA hierarchy.