Denver’s coach paid $75 million for Russell Westbrook’s comeback, which might boost the Nuggets’ performance.
On Thursday, Marc Stein of Substack claimed that the Denver Nuggets are interested in Russell Westbrook. Mike Malone’s squad would have to reach an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the nine-time All-Star. The 2017 MVP just exercised his $4 million player option for the upcoming season.
According to league insiders, the Clippers are publicly investigating trade options with Russell Westbrook, despite the fact that the NBA’s 2017 MVP recently exercised his $4 million player option for next season,” Stein reported.
Westbrook remains a force of nature. He excels at grabbing defensive rebounds and driving the tempo in transition. He causes defences to crumble early in possessions, allowing perimeter shooters to prosper and secondary players to feast on hurried rotations.
With Westbrook on the bench, Malone’s second unit would be much more frightening. He would jolt the Nuggets into increasing their tempo, instantly improving their on-ball creativity, and, most crucially, providing the squad with a completely new dynamic. The Nuggets’ offensive plan requires more layers, particularly while several starters sit.Furthermore, Westbrook’s ability to play as a starter would give protection for Jamal Murray. Murray missed 22 regular-season games this year due to injury. Westbrook could easily up his output when called upon.
Nevertheless, if the Nuggets bring Westbrook to Denver, Malone has figure out how to get the most out of him. He struggles to work around the perimeter. His game is built around his ability to penetrate and make reads while the defence rotates. Denver concluded last season as the NBA’s fifth slowest club, averaging 97.4 possessions per game. Westbrook is a whirlwind who enjoys playing fast. Westbrook has had a rough couple seasons. He needs to sign with a franchise that will let him play his natural game. If Denver is ready to unleash his rip-and-run approach, he may significantly boost second-unit production, putting the Nuggets back in contention next season.