Russell Westbrook is a player who has grown polarizing over the last few years.
While he averaged a triple-double four times in five seasons, won a league MVP award and led the league in scoring twice and in assists three times, some have accused him of being out for his own stats and glory rather than looking to help his team win.
He’s now a member of the Denver Nuggets, a team that won the NBA championship just 16 months ago, and starting point guard Jamal Murray said he has lifted everyone’s spirit, per ClutchPoints.
“I grew up watching him… To look at Russ is like, ‘Oh, damn. That’s Russ.’ Every time he’s in the gym he kind of lifts not just me but everybody’s spirit and awareness.”
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray on Russell Westbrook’s presence 🗣️
(via @katywinge)pic.twitter.com/ca4mibcPhB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 9, 2024
Last season, the Nuggets got pushed out of the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and their lack of viable depth on the bench was a factor.
They continually got off to bad starts, and eventually, they simply ran out of the fuel needed to come back and win consistently.
The Nuggets started their preseason schedule with two games against the defending world champion Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi, and although they lost both contests, Westbrook looked decent.
On Friday, he came off the bench to play 19 minutes, and he scored 12 points while hitting three of his six 3-point attempts while dishing off eight assists.
Outside shooting has long been a problem for Westbrook, and it is one big thing his critics have always attacked him for.
He will be tasked with infusing Denver with energy and pace off the bench as they try to regain their previous status as an elite team.
NEXT:
Former Player Says 1 NBA Star Has Played At ‘Michael Jordan Type Level’ In Last 4 Seasons
