Russell Westbrook has no plans to change his approach to basketball.
At 35 and playing for his fifth team since 2019, the Nuggets guard made it clear during the team’s media day that he’s not trying to tone down the intensity that once made him a league MVP and nine-time all-star. He’s not trying to kiss babies or shake opponents’ hands.
“Excuse my language, but I’m here to kick some (butt),” Westbrook said on Thursday at Ball Arena.
As the Nuggets try to take advantage of their championship window, the organization doesn’t want anything less from Westbrook.
He might not be the same player who was recording triple-doubles with ease in his prime. But his energy and willingness to push those around him could be the secret sauce to helping the Nuggets, salty about falling short of expectations last year, produce a different outcome this season.
“He has a competitive, ‘I’m going to give you a (crap)’ mindset that I love,” head coach Michael Malone said.
It didn’t take much for Westbrook to sign a two-year, $6.8 million deal with Denver in late July. Westbrook wanted a shot at a title, the missing piece to his prodigious NBA career, and was intrigued about playing with fellow MVP Nikola Jokic, whom he called “the best player in the world.”
Before Westbrook decided to come to Denver, he spent a lot of time talking to Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan, whom he played against in college and has faced countless times during his time in the league.
Jordan’s sales pitch to Westbrook was simple but effective.
“I told him to get his (butt) over here. We need him,” Jordan said.
Jordan admires Westbrook’s intensity and level of play on both ends of the floor. The veteran big man added that Westbrook brings a special kind of culture with his mindset and thinks he can be a role model for young players such as Peyton Watson, Christian Braun and Julian Strawther.
Malone shared a similar sentiment. He said Westbrook was in the gym Wednesday, and he noticed a different level of energy and competition.
“I think he’s going to help individual players achieve their potential and push them to be the best they can be,” Malone said. “I love guys (who) bring it every single night, and that’s what he has done.”
Westbrook, a 16-year veteran, said this was the first year he’s heard younger players talk about their experiences watching him while they were in high school. Instead of making him feel like the old guy in the room, he says those conversations have inspired him.
As a fellow California native, Watson grew up watching Westbrook deliver highlight-reel dunks on a weekly basis. The 22-year-old said Westbrook represents his area well, which is something he strives to do himself.
Westbrook is excited to tap into Watson’s potential and teach him the lessons he’s learned over the years.
“That’s my goddamn idol,” Watson said while crashing Westbrook’s news conference.
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon called Westbrook a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and rightfully so. He is a nine-time All-NBA pick, three-time assist champion and was named MVP in 2016-17. Westbrook is also 24th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list at 25,211 points.
“He’s a legend,” Gordon said. “I’m ready to go to war with him.”
Over the last two years, Westbrook has shifted to a reserve role, only starting in 35 games. As a member of the Clippers in 2023-24, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field. In the offseason, he was dealt to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade for Kris Dunn and other pieces before being waived and joining Denver.
Westbrook said he is willing to do whatever the Nuggets need him to do to win games. Malone mentioned Westbrook has the chance to provide value on defense, especially with Denver losing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason.
“When we went back and watched his defense last year with the Clippers, at the end of games, he was on the opposing team’s best player every night,” Malone said.
Westbrook is past his prime, and part of him seems to know that. But one thing that hasn’t changed, even at the tail end of his career, is his competitive drive.
“I think people confuse intensity with competitiveness,” Westbrook said. “I want to compete at the highest level, and that part of me will never change.”
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