The start of the NBA season usually brings excitement, but for the Denver Nuggets and Russell Westbrook, things have quickly turned concerning. As the team struggles in their early games, many are questioning Westbrook’s role and effectiveness on a roster that hopes to win a championship. The experienced point guard, now in his 17th season, is under more criticism than ever.
An anonymous NBA scout recently told Hoops Wire that it might be time for the Nuggets to part ways with Westbrook. “They need to cut Russ. He can’t shoot. They have no spacing when he’s on the court. Teams are literally daring him to shoot and just crowding Jokic in the paint. And when he drives to the rim, he gets so deep and out of position that he can’t hit layups. Russ needs to retire. He’s not a good player anymore,” the scout explained.
Russell Westbrook’s stats reveal a concerning trend. In his early games with Denver, he has averaged four points on 11% shooting, with about three rebounds and three assists. His struggles mirror the Nuggets’ disappointing 1-2 start as they try to regain their championship form.
Despite a strong lineup with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and star guard Jamal Murray, Westbrook’s lack of rhythm has raised concerns. The scout’s harsh view echoes the reality: “Russ needs to call it a career. He’s simply not the player he once was.” The Nuggets struggle offensively with Westbrook on the court. Without Jokic, their offensive rating drops to 54.9, indicating poor teamwork, while it improves to 110.1 with him.
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Russell Westbrook’s Future In Jeopardy As Nuggets Seek Solutions
While Westbrook’s Hall of Fame credentials are undeniable—he’s a former MVP and the first player to average a triple-double in decades—his current performance raises serious questions about his future. Even his former teammate, James Harden, has tried to defend him, mentioning their shared journey from inner-city Los Angeles to the top of the NBA.
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“When all is said and done, we’ll both be in the Hall of Fame. I’m just glad to see him healthy and making an impact here in Denver,” Harden said, trying to highlight the difficulties both players are facing.
Still, the truth is harsh. At 35 years old, Westbrook seems to struggle to adapt his game to fit the needs of his team and the changing style of the NBA. The scout believes he should retire because his once-explosive playing style is no longer effective. He has become a shadow of the player who used to dominate games.
Russell Westbrook has a chance to turn things around, but that chance is slipping away. As the Nuggets aim to find their footing this season, they must decide if Westbrook can still make a meaningful contribution. The pressure is building, and if he doesn’t improve significantly, the Nuggets may have to make a tough choice about his future.
In the upcoming weeks, Westbrook’s performance and how well players like Murray and Michael Porter Jr. find their rhythm will shape the Nuggets’ season. If the team cannot adjust and get back on track, Westbrook’s time in Denver may come to an end sooner than expected.
