Since leaving the Washington Wizards in 2021, Russell Westbrook’s profession has been on a downward spiral. His tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers was an unmitigated catastrophe. And whereas his time with the Clippers was a slight enchancment, Westbrook struggled to showcase the skills that made him an MVP in 2017 and a multi-time MVP candidate throughout his prime.
Westbrook inked a deal to hitch the Denver Nuggets through the summer season. Mike Malone’s staff had been determined for a dependable ball-handler who can lead the second unit and step into the beginning lineup when Jamal Murray is injured. Westbrook has dealt with each roles with ease and has shortly emerged as considered one of the most important members of Denver’s rotation.
“I advised him that I wished him to problem himself to be the perfect model of himself,” Malone said, per The Athletic’s Tony Jones. “No offense to any of his previous coaches, however should you put Russell Westbrook within the nook, you’re not getting the entire package deal. We’ve made an effort to get the ball into his fingers fairly a bit this season …You need to give Russell a number of credit score. He got here in right here attempting to slot in and never stand out.”
Malone has empowered Westbrook to be the chaos-creator he thrives on being. From grabbing rebounds and bolting in transition to bulldozing his approach right into a protection earlier than kicking the rock out to a ready shooter, we’re seeing the closest factor to prime Westbrook in years.
As such, Westbrook’s status is slowly being rebuilt. NBA followers are beginning to bear in mind why he was among the many greatest gamers on the earth for an extended stretch of time. Moreover, the criticism and condemnation Westbrook has shouldered in recent times has all however light away.
Not solely did the Nuggets take an opportunity on Westbrook, however they’ve additionally given him an opportunity to shine. Odds are he’ll depart all the things on the desk for that franchise. And if the chance arises, he’ll stay with the staff for the foreseeable future.
Westbrook is again to his swashbuckling greatest, and that is excellent news for the Nuggets and the NBA normally.
