After winning their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, the Denver Nuggets suffered a second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs last season. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised their new signing Russell Westbrook. The 53-year-old coach shed light on Brodie’s defensive abilities on Thursday at media day.
In the summer, the Nuggets acquired Russell Westbrook following his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers and buyout by the Utah Jazz. The 2017 NBA MVP signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Nuggets, and their head coach is among the several in the organization who are delighted with the signing.
In the press conference, Malone was asked about the impact of Westbrook’s signing on his team as the Nuggets lost Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope. He said, “When people talk about Russell Westbrook, no one really mentions defense. They mention how quick he is, how explosive he is, the rebounding, the playmaking.”
“When we went back and watched as a staff, his defense last year with the Clippers, end of games he was on the opposing team’s best player every night. You have a guy that you can close games with… who knows the league, knows personnel, has the respect of the officials, and has a competitive, ‘I’m gonna get in your sh*t’ mindset that I love.”
Why Did Russell Westbrook Join The Denver Nuggets?
After the Clippers traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, who eventually waived him off, Westbrook had the choice to pick his team. During the media day, the nine-time NBA All-Star revealed the reason behind joining the Nuggets. He said, “This team has always been at the top of the Western Conference, always contending. They play the right brand of basketball.”
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In the 2024-25 season, Russell Westbrook will be paired with Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP. With talented stars like Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Kevin Porter Jr., the Denver Nuggets could become a championship contender next season.
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