The Denver Nuggets are embracing a new era, balancing veteran experience with youthful vigor as they head into the 2023 NBA season. The offseason has been marked by significant roster changes, most notably the addition of 35-year-old former MVP Russell Westbrook. Entering his 17th year in the NBA, Westbrook brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for relentless energy, qualities that Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and the team are eager to harness.
A Bold Move by the Front Office
The decision to bring in Westbrook signifies a bold departure from the familiarity of last season's squad. After a stint with the LA Clippers, where he averaged 11 points, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists in just over 22 minutes per game, Westbrook has been given the opportunity to rejuvenate his career in Denver. His performance with the Clippers included shooting splits of 45% from the field, 27% from behind the arc, and 69% from the free-throw line, numbers that the Nuggets hope to see improve under their system.
Westbrook's Impact on and off the Court
Michael Malone has high expectations for Westbrook’s role in the team. "Russ is a game-changer. You just love the energy, the voice. You can hear Russ coming," Malone said, emphasizing the intangible benefits that Westbrook brings. The veteran's influence extends beyond statistics; it's his work ethic and competitive spirit that the Nuggets find invaluable. "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.
DeAndre Jordan, another seasoned player on the Nuggets roster, echoed Malone's sentiments. "Russ brings a different culture and a different mindset to a team -- a different energy," Jordan noted. Westbrook’s reputation as a fierce competitor is well-known in NBA circles, and Jordan believes this will be a critical asset for the team. "I think that he's gonna be that burst of energy that we need on both sides of the floor."
Westbrook’s Perspective
Westbrook himself is clear about his approach to the game. "I think that people confuse intensity with competitiveness," he remarked. "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 intense focus is a hallmark of Westbrook’s career and something he insists will never change. "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."
Adjusting to His New Role
Westbrook is expected to back up 27-year-old Jamal Murray, a dynamic player in his own right. This pairing offers the Nuggets a potent combination of youthful potential and veteran savvy. Despite some shooting struggles, particularly with a 24th percentile rank in shots at the rim and 37% from mid-range last season, Westbrook excelled in cuts, ranking in the 64th percentile. This versatility is something the Nuggets will aim to capitalize on, hoping to maximize Westbrook's strengths while mitigating his weaknesses.
Anticipation and Excitement
As the Denver Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, the infusion of Westbrook's experience and intensity promises to add a new dimension to the team’s dynamics. With Michael Malone at the helm and a blend of seasoned veterans and budding stars, the Nuggets are poised to be a team to watch. Westbrook's arrival signals not just a roster change but a shift in the team's cultural and competitive ethos, one that could propel them to new heights in the NBA hierarchy.