The NBA career of Russell Westbrook has seen its fair share of highs and lows, and his recent stint with the Los Angeles Clippers was no exception. His journey, marked by adjustments and struggles, now takes him to the Denver Nuggets, a team that is in the midst of reconfiguring its roster and approach.
Westbrook's Complicated Tenure with the Clippers
Westbrook's season with the Clippers was a mixed bag. Known for their slow, mechanical playstyle, the Clippers faced a myriad of challenges. With collective talent that seemed overwhelming during December and January, star player Kawhi Leonard adopted a disciplined approach, leading the team during this period. Despite this, the Clippers performed about seven points better per 100 possessions when Westbrook was not on the floor.
The arrival of James Harden led to Westbrook's benching, adding another layer of complexity to his tenure with the team. His 26% shooting during a six-game first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks starkly underscored his struggles.
As the Clippers looked for improvement, the Denver Nuggets seized the opportunity to add Westbrook to their roster, a move that presents both challenges and potential for the team.
The Nuggets' Shift to a Younger Roster
In stark contrast to the Clippers, the Denver Nuggets have relied heavily on 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 the Nuggets' offense. However, behind them, there's been a noticeable lack of depth, a fact highlighted during a Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves when non-Jokic/Murray players could only muster 21 total points.
Coach Michael Malone has acknowledged the need for "somebody to play behind Jamal Murray." Reggie Jackson's departure from the team, alongside other key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Justin Holiday, has further emphasized this need. In their place, the Nuggets have brought in Dario Saric and Westbrook, looking to fill those gaps.
Young Blood and New Additions
As part of their sustainability plan, set by Calvin Booth, the Nuggets are turning to young players to support their bench. Christian Braun is expected to step into Caldwell-Pope's role, maintaining slightly above league-average shooting percentages, albeit at a low volume. Additionally, Peyton Watson is also expected to play a more significant role moving forward, aligning with Booth's strategy.
While Westbrook's limitations in deep shooting and off-ball movement pose concerns, Booth and Malone remain optimistic about integrating him into their system. However, they might not solely rely on this internal adjustment and could consider a trade for a more flexible veteran presence. A potential trade involving Zeke Nnaji's contract and the team's 2031 first-round pick might be in the cards to add that indispensable experience.
The Task Ahead for Westbrook
For Westbrook, the task is clear: he needs to provide stability and production to reinforce the Nuggets' lineup. His ability to adapt and contribute effectively could be pivotal for Denver as they navigate the uncertainties of the upcoming season.
The Nuggets' decision to take the fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season underlines the larger systemic changes they are making, and integrating Westbrook successfully will be a crucial part of that strategy. His performance and contributions could either underscore a triumphant resurgence or highlight yet another challenging chapter in his storied career.
One thing is certain; Westbrook's journey continues to be one to watch closely as he looks to make a significant impact in Denver.