Nuggets Russell Westbrook attracts ‘game-changer’ label at coaching camp

As Denver Nuggets level guard Russell Westbrook described his position along with his new group, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone realized the dynamic his level guard can add for his group.

“Russell is a game-changer for us,” Malone stated through Tony Jones of The Athletic. “He’s a power. You’ll be able to hear him coming. I simply love the intangibles that he brings to us. I believe that he’s going to lift the bar, and I believe that we’re going to be extra aggressive due to it.”

Westbrook has been on his fifth group since 2019. Nevertheless, altering cities and organizations hasn’t stopped him from sticking to his bread and butter. He brings the depth on either side of the ball and is not on the courtroom to make associates. Nonetheless, Westbrook had spectacular profession averages of 21.7 factors, 7.1 rebounds, and eight.1 assists per recreation. Though he is taken a lesser position the previous two seasons, his affect remains to be felt by all of his teammates.

When Westbrook teamed up with Nikola Jokic, the jokes surrounding triple-doubles turned fruitful for the web to take pleasure in. Denver introduced within the triple-double chief due to far more than statistics.

How can Russell Westbrook spark change for the Nuggets?

The Nuggets have been eradicated by the Minnesota Timberwolves within the semifinals. All through the sequence, the Timberwolves had a distinct edge to them all through the ultimate three video games. Celebrity guard Anthony Edwards introduced the trash-talk but in addition had that “it” issue athletes dream of getting in sports activities. His relentless pursuit of a win at no matter value helped propel Minnesota to the Western Convention Finals.

Whereas Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is kind of the playoff performer, Edwards outplayed him within the sequence and was seen getting inside his head fairly a bit. Somebody like Westbrook can problem Edwards on each fronts. Though Westbrook is not the participant he was a decade in the past, he is nonetheless one of the crucial athletic gamers within the league.

Younger gamers like Peyton Watson and Christian Braun grew up watching Westbrook within the prime of his profession. They noticed the mentality, method, and dedication to the sport of basketball. Despite the fact that he will not be within the beginning lineup, his mentality shall be felt by each participant, each coach, and even higher administration throughout the Denver group.

That affect shall be felt on Friday because the Nuggets tackle the reigning NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics of their first style of preseason motion.