Expected to join the Denver Nuggets after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz, free agent guard Russell Westbrook “is reportedly coming, likely on another two-year deal with a player option,” per ESPN insider Zach Lowe.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook Expected To Sign 2-Year Deal With Nuggets
Lowe also reveals the role that Westbrook is expected to have in Denver. Due to his status as a former NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star, there have been questions about whether he would start for the Nuggets. Such a move leads to Jamal Murray shifting to a shooting guard role, which may be more natural for him. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaving Denver in free agency only enhanced the possibility.
However, Westbrook is set for a bench role, where his intensity and frenetic pace can help create 3-point and free-throw opportunities.
“The Nuggets are hopeful Westbrook can create 3s for teammates by pushing the pace amid stretchier reserve heavy-lineups with (Dario) Saric at center. Westbrook’s rim pressure generates free throws; Denver needs more of those.”
Westbrook, who’ll turn 36 in November, has primarily played off the bench for the past two seasons.
Right Person, Wrong Time?
Like John Wall or Carmelo Anthony, Westbrook’s star power doesn’t overshadow the reality of his shortcomings.
In Wall and Anthony’s case, this was largely due to a physical decline. With Wall in particular, it diminished the impact he could make at the defensive end. However, the proliferation of the 3-ball made them relics of the days players focused on the midrange game.
Westbrook remains among the most explosive players in the NBA. Nonetheless, his weaknesses are quite similar; he’s a so-so defender and a woeful 3-point threat. Furthermore, as an on-ball scorer and playmaker with significant off-ball limitations, he doesn’t mesh well with high-volume scorers.
In terms of his fit in the Nuggets’ first unit, this would be the biggest problem.
Murray and Nikola Jokic could benefit from having less of a burden to bear on offense. However, in order for Big 3 models to work, the three stars have to be able to play off of each other. Westbrook isn’t necessarily a terrific cutter, but may have been able to play off Jokic all the same. Indeed, he scored 1.38 points per possessions on cuts in 2023-24, though he attempted just 61 cuts in 68 games.
Yet, because defensive stalwart Aaron Gordon is a mediocre jump shooter an elite athlete, he needs to cut too. To that point, he cut 168 times last season, scoring 1.53 points per possession. If Westbrook starts, he could reduce a tried and true method of getting Gordon involved offensively. Because he’s of his poor perimeter shooting, he could also clog the paint, bridling both of their opportunities.
Ultimately, the simplest and most effective way for Westbrook to impact the game positively is off the bench. He could potentially play in a sixth man role, especially with Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth considering “diversifying” the offense. Nonetheless, a starting role appears to be out of the question, at least for now.
