One of many key offseason strikes for the Denver Nuggets concerned in buying former MVP Russell Westbrookwho’s coming into his seventeenth NBA season, including a brand new dynamic to the squad.
At 35 years previous and on his fifth group since 2019, the Nuggets guard confused through the group’s media day that he has no plans to scale back the depth that earned him MVP honors of the league and 9 All-Star alternatives.
Russell Westbrook’s depth stays the identical
“I feel folks confuse depth with competitiveness. After I’m competing, after I’m on the sphere, I do not wish to stroll round shaking palms, kissing infants – I do not actually wish to try this. I’m right here to – excuse my language, however kick some,” Westbrook stated when chatting with the media through the Nuggets media day.
After a heartbreaking Recreation 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the second spherical of the playoffs, the entrance workplace determined to make modifications as an alternative of sticking with the identical roster of their quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Nuggets are aiming to capitalize on their championship window, and the group expects nothing lower than depth from Westbrook.
With the LA Clippers final season, Westbrook averaged 11 factors, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in simply over 22 minutes per sport. He’s anticipated to again up Jamal Murray, 27, when the Nuggets season begins.
Westbrook grew to become some of the controversial figures within the league through the latter a part of his profession. His taking pictures inefficiency, mirrored in his 45 p.c area purpose, 27 p.c three-point taking pictures and 69 p.c free throw taking pictures final season, led to a discount in enjoying time.
The Denver Nuggets are totally different with Russell Westbrook on board
Though Westbrook has confronted criticism from followers, each from rival groups and his personal, he enjoys robust help from his teammates. They continuously reward his depth and dedication to the sport.
“Russ brings a distinct tradition and a distinct mindset to a group – a distinct power. I feel he’ll be that explosion of power that we’d like on each ends of the ground,” stated his former teammate. Los Angeles Lakers. , Deandre Jordan through the Nuggets media day.
Westbrook could make a direct offensive impression in Denver’s transition sport, which ranked within the backside third of the league in alternatives and effectivity final season.
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Regardless of a noticeable decline in his ending capability, he constantly pushes the ball up the pitch, producing possibilities for himself and his teammates.
His most important weak point, which has usually sparked frustration and disbelief amongst Lakers followers throughout his time in Los Angeles, is his taking pictures, which hit simply 27% from past the arc and 37% from mid-field. distance final season.
Nevertheless, these alternatives could be restricted with the Nuggets, particularly if Westbrook performs most of his minutes. alongside double MVP Nikola Jokic throughout Murray’s relaxation. Westbrook has develop into a fast and environment friendly cutter, capitalizing on defenders shedding monitor of him whereas ignoring him behind the three-point line.
This was Westbrook’s only offensive technique final season, and one can solely think about the elevated alternatives he’ll get from arguably the most effective passing participant in NBA historical past. We noticed Jokic often arrange Aaron Gordon the identical approach in current seasons.
This sensible, lively reducing model, mixed with choosing up the tempo and attacking the offensive boards, will doubtless be Westbrook’s key contribution to a group desirous to bounce again from final playoff setback.
