Russell Westbrook praised as 'game-changer' by Nuggets coach, and he might be within the excellent spot to thrive

In Might, the Denver Nuggets‘ title protection ended with a devastating Recreation 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the second spherical of the playoffs, and the entrance workplace wasn’t content material bringing again the identical group as they try and reclaim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. One of the vital notable offseason transactions was bringing in 35-year-old former MVP Russell Westbrook, getting into his seventeenth yr within the NBA, which provides a brand new wrinkle to the roster.

As a member of the LA Clippers final season, Westbrook put up 11 factors, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in simply over 22 minutes per sport, and he’ll almost definitely again up 27-year-old Jamal Murray as soon as the Nuggets’ season begins. Westbrook has been one of many extra polarizing gamers within the league over the latter a part of his profession as his inefficiency (45/27/69 taking pictures splits final season) has restricted his minutes.

Regardless of the on-court flaws, Denver head coach Michael Malone is happy to carry Westbrook into the fold due to his distinctive strategy and management potential.

“Russ is a game-changer. You simply love the power, the voice. You possibly can hear Russ coming,” Malone stated throughout Nuggets coaching camp on Friday. “First man within the fitness center — he was right here figuring out at 8 a.m. at the moment. For a 17-year vet that is completed all the things he is completed, I simply love the intangibles that he brings to us. I feel that is gonna increase the bar. We’re gonna be a extra aggressive workforce due to that. He is gonna push guys, he is gonna problem guys, and problem me. And I feel we’re all excited for that.”

Whereas Westbrook has drawn the ire of fan bases (each opponents’ and his personal) all through his NBA tenure, he has a glowing approval score with teammates, who’ve constantly spoken glowingly about his tenacity and dedication to the sport.

“Russ brings a unique tradition and a unique mindset to a workforce — a unique power,” veteran Nuggets heart DeAndre Jordan said at Thursday’s Media Day. “I feel that he is gonna be that burst of power that we’d like on each side of the ground.”

Westbrook can take advantage of speedy offensive affect in Denver’s transition assault, the place they completed within the backside third of the league in each alternatives and effectivity final season. Whereas Westbrook’s ending capacity has dropped off considerably (twenty fourth percentile in photographs on the rim final season, per Synergy Sports activities), he relentlessly pushes the ball up the ground to create alternatives for himself and teammates.

His most evident flaw, which ultimately drew groans and eye-rolls from his house followers throughout his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, is his taking pictures — each from behind the arc (27% final season) and from mid-range (37%). Nevertheless, there is a robust risk that these alternatives will probably be restricted with the Nuggets, significantly if Westbrook spends most of his minutes alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokic whereas Murray rests. Westbrook has turn out to be a well timed and environment friendly cutter, making the most of defenders who go to sleep whereas paying him zero consideration behind the 3-point line.

This was Westbrook’s best type of offense final season (sixty fourth percentile on cuts, per Synergy), and you may solely think about what number of extra alternatives he’ll obtain from arguably the perfect passing large man in NBA historical past. We have watched Jokic repeatedly dime up Aaron Gordon in comparable vogue over the previous couple of seasons.

That model of sensible, lively chopping, together with pushing the tempo and crashing the offensive glass, will possible be Westbrook’s greatest areas of contribution to a workforce seeking to avenge final postseason’s disappointment.

Both approach, you might be certain Westbrook will carry his trademark ardour and depth — whether or not you prefer it or not.

“I feel that folks confuse depth with competitiveness,” Westbrook stated throughout Nuggets Media Day on Thursday. “Once I compete, after I’m on the ground, I do not need to be strolling round shaking arms, kissing infants — I do not actually need to try this. I am there to — excuse my language, however, kick some ass.

“When I’m competing, I need to compete on the highest degree, and that a part of me won’t ever change so long as I am competing on this sport. And I am grateful for the chance.”