2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook donned the Denver Nuggets jersey for the first time on Thursday during the media day. While addressing the media, the nine-time All-Star revealed the reason behind choosing the Nuggets as his next location. He also talked about the inspiration he takes from the late Kobe Bryant to deal with the crowd’s jeering.
The 35-year-old point guard will enter his 16th NBA season this year and signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Nuggets following a summer trade saga. The Los Angeles Clippers traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, who waived the two-time NBA scoring champion. He opted to join Denver as he believed the Western Conference powerhouse played the “right brand of basketball.”
When asked about his strategy for dealing with crowd criticism in the upcoming season, Russell Westbrook claimed he would channel his inner Kobe Bryant. He said, “Over the course of my career, I’ve been booed and all that stuff everywhere else, but I take it as a sign of respect, just like the late Kobe Bryant.”
He added, “When people boo you, they understand it’s a level of respect, and it’s the reason if people don’t say anything, then you should be worried.”
Russell Westbrook Loves Jamal Murray’s Blue Arrow Celebration
Brodie was asked about his partnership with Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray in the press conference. He said, “My job is to push Jamal to be the best he can be.” During the media day, the two Nuggets guards were spotted having a fun interaction, which is a good sign for the franchise ahead of the 2024-25 season.
In a trending video on social media, Westbrook appears to be a fan of Murray’s blue arrow celebration. The three-time NBA assists leader imitated the 27-year-old Canadian’s trademark celebration during the photoshoot.
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With the signing of Russell Westbrook, the Nuggest lost Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope. However, watching the veteran point guard paired with Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP, will be exciting. The Nuggets will open their 2024-25 campaign against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24.
