Right before the 2024-25 NBA season began, the Denver Nuggets made the head-scratching move of signing 36-year-old Russell Westbrook to a two-year deal.
Westbrook is, undoubtedly, one of the all-time greats, but unsuccessful stints with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers seemed to spell the end of his career. He is five seasons removed from his last All-Star appearance, although the all-time triple-double leader has found a new home in the Mile High City.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) interacts with a fan before a game.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
This year, Westbrook is averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and 6.6 assists while putting together his best defensive season in recent years. When he starts, the Nuggets are 17-5 and look like real title candidates. For one former Nuggets legend, Russ looks to have found his joy again.
“Denver allows him to be Russ,” said Carmelo Anthony on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. “We know you’re going to turn the ball over, we know you’re going to do some nut [redacted] [redacted], but we also know, on the flip side, what you can do, which is bring us triple-doubles.”
Granted, playing alongside Nikola Jokic certainly helps. The three-time league MVP is the most versatile offensive weapon, possibly ever, and easily makes his teammates better.
Under Michael Malone, the Nuggets have turned their season around after a rough start, and Westbrook deserves some credit for his role in the team’s improvement.
While Westbrook is no longer the best or even second-best, player on the team, he does have a very real chance to win the NBA title that has eluded him throughout his entire career.