The Denver Nuggets are entering the 2024-2025 NBA season with high hopes, fresh off their first-ever championship and poised to make another deep playoff run. A significant storyline emerging from their preseason, though, revolves around the integration of Russell Westbrook into the reigning champion’s roster. Westbrook, a former MVP known for his intensity and athleticism, has joined the Nuggets with a clear goal: to make the game easier for their cornerstone player, Nikola Jokic.
In their preseason opener—a 103-107 loss to the Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi—Westbrook showed promising signs of fitting into his new role. Although the Nuggets were defeated, primarily due to the Celtics’ reserves outplaying Denver’s bench, Westbrook’s individual performance was a bright spot. He recorded 12 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, including three three-pointers, while finishing with a +4 plus-minus rating. This debut was notable, especially considering the long-standing narrative surrounding Westbrook’s ability to fit into new systems and roles.
Westbrook’s career has seen a series of ups and downs in recent years, as he struggled to adapt to changing roles with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. However, his reputation as a selfless teammate has remained intact. Despite criticisms about his fit in certain lineups, Westbrook has consistently contributed to his teammates’ success. Notably, players like Paul George, James Harden, Bradley Beal, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard made All-Star appearances while playing alongside him.
Westbrook’s arrival in Denver marks a shift in his career arc, as he fully embraces a supporting role, coming off the bench and looking to elevate the performance of those around him, particularly Jokic. Westbrook himself emphasized this point after the preseason opener, saying, “It’s gonna be a great year just figuring out ways to make the game easier for [Jokic] because he does it for everybody else. My job is to make it easier for him as well.”
This attitude is exactly what the Nuggets need from Westbrook. While Jokic is undoubtedly the team’s primary facilitator, Westbrook’s ability to push the tempo and generate scoring opportunities for the bench unit could be a crucial addition for a Nuggets team looking to repeat as champions. With Jamal Murray still working to fully regain his form after past injuries, Westbrook could also serve as a mentor to the young players and a valuable playmaker in the second unit.
While it might seem unconventional to pair Westbrook, known for his explosive style, with Jokic’s more methodical and cerebral approach, there are potential synergies between the two. Westbrook’s downhill driving and relentless attacking of the basket could open up space for Jokic to operate both as a scorer and facilitator. Conversely, Jokic’s elite court vision and ability to read defenses might allow Westbrook to get easier scoring opportunities than he’s had in recent years.
Westbrook’s ability to connect with Jokic could be pivotal for both players. While Jokic doesn’t need help scoring or facilitating, having another veteran guard who can relieve him of some playmaking duties, especially in transition, could extend Jokic’s effectiveness over the course of the grueling 82-game regular season. Westbrook has acknowledged this dynamic and seems eager to play a complementary role, a testament to his evolving mindset and willingness to adapt.
The preseason opener also underscored the depth issues Denver will need to address. With the departure of key bench players like Bruce Brown in the offseason, the Nuggets’ second unit will be under pressure to maintain the team’s high level of performance when Jokic and Murray rest. This is where Westbrook’s veteran presence could prove invaluable. By running the offense and creating for young players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, Westbrook could help the Nuggets’ bench avoid the scoring droughts that have plagued them in the past.
Moreover, with his vast playoff experience, Westbrook can serve as a mentor to Denver’s younger players. His competitive fire and work ethic are qualities that could help elevate the team’s collective mentality, especially during tough stretches of the season. As the Nuggets aim to defend their title, having a seasoned veteran like Westbrook leading the second unit could be one of their hidden strengths.
The Denver Nuggets are entering the season with sky-high expectations, and Russell Westbrook could play a pivotal role in helping them achieve their goals. By embracing a reduced role and focusing on making the game easier for Nikola Jokic and the rest of his teammates, Westbrook is positioning himself as a valuable asset in Denver’s title defense. If the preseason is any indication, Westbrook’s impact on the Nuggets could go beyond just the box score, providing leadership and playmaking that could prove crucial over the long haul.
While there will undoubtedly be growing pains as Westbrook continues to adjust to his new role, the early signs are promising. If Westbrook and Jokic can develop a strong on-court chemistry, the Denver Nuggets could be even more dangerous than they were during their championship run last season.
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