In a surprising turn of events, former MVP Russell Westbrook is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz. ESPN insider Zach Lowe broke the news, stating that Westbrook will likely have a player option in his contract.
Questions have emerged about Westbrook’s role with the Nuggets. As a former NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star, there is speculation about whether he will start for the team. If he does, Jamal Murray may have to shift to a shooting guard position, a move that could benefit his game. The departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency has only fueled the possibility of Westbrook starting for Denver.
At 36 years old, Westbrook has mostly come off the bench in the past two seasons. Despite his star power, Westbrook, like John Wall and Carmelo Anthony, has his fair share of weaknesses. While he remains one of the most explosive players in the league, his defense and three-point shooting leave much to be desired. Additionally, Westbrook’s style of play as an on-ball scorer and playmaker may not mesh well with high-volume scorers on the team.
Lowe compared Westbrook to Wall and Anthony, noting that their decline in physical abilities limited their impact on the court. The rise of the three-point shot in today’s game has made players who excel in the midrange obsolete. Westbrook may face similar challenges as he joins the Nuggets, who are looking to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
As the Denver Nuggets prepare to welcome Russell Westbrook into the fold, the basketball world eagerly anticipates how he will fit in with the team and make an impact. Only time will tell if Westbrook’s arrival will elevate the Nuggets to a new level of success or if it will prove to be a misstep for the franchise.
