Russell Westbrook thrived with the Nuggets and outperformed the minimal salary he signed with the franchise. He has shown this season that he only needed the perfect situation. Westbrook’s status as a former MVP made many assume he was washed up after his difficult seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
Nikola Jokic, the franchise standout, and three-time MVP, lavished Westbrook with accolades on TNT. He claimed he was misinterpreted on his prior teams.
Jokic stated, “I love the connection we have. I just need to look at him and he knows exactly what I’m thinking. I’m a little bit slower so he waits for me to get to my spot. He passes it at the right time. He’s a great player. I think the teams he played for in the past misunderstood him and didn’t give him the opportunity to be himself.”
Nikola Jokic on Russell Westbrook:
— Russell GOATbrook (@brodiexruss) January 22, 2025
“He’s a great player, I think people and teams that he was on in the past misunderstood him and didn’t give him the opportunity to be who he is”
LA teams and media used to say things like “let Russ be Russ” while actively doing the complete… pic.twitter.com/o6pGX2W3Dh
When the Denver Nuggets signed Russell Westbrook as their backup point guard at the beginning of the season, many people made fun of them. As complimentary high-IQ ball handlers and floor readers, Westbrook and Jokic have a particularly special bond on the court that brings out the best in each other. The numerous triple-doubles recorded this season demonstrate their ability to work well together on the court.
Russell Westbrook’s Time With Both The Los Angeles Franchise Didn’t Go Well
Westbrook was a good point guard and defender for the Lakers. However, his poor shooting abilities prevented him from being used in lineups with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
During this time, both players experienced injury-plagued stretches, which raised even more questions about Westbrook’s inability to lead the Lakers. After trading him away, the team immediately advanced to the Conference Finals.
After being traded by the Lakers to the Utah Jazz, purchasing his maximum deal. Then Russ joined the Clippers on a minimum buyout contract through the end of 2023. Despite getting used to his fresh surroundings, Westbrook was a reliable starting point guard for them.
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Sadly, the Clippers acquired James Harden to take Westbrook’s place as starting point guard following a successful start to the 2023–24 campaign. Simply put, the Lakers and Clippers lacked the organizational capacity to offer what the Nuggets can. Even though the Clippers were a fan favorite, he departed the team in the summer to join the Nuggets, where he is now at last succeeding.
Also Read: VIDEO: Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Shares Witty Insight On Why He Doesn’t Always Wear Elbow Sleeves
