In some ways, adding Russell Westbrook to your NBA team these days makes you the equivalent of the Tobias Funke “Did it work for those people?” meme. But the Denver Nuggets, in pursuit of their second title in three years, are convinced that Westbrook — especially his competitive demeanor — might just be exactly what they ordered to get them out of a period of quiet stagnancy.
On Monday, with the Nuggets’ season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder looming on Thursday night, Denver head coach Michael Malone said that Westbrook has been relentlessly competitive in practices against the other Nuggets.
Apparently, Westbrook’s actually even been getting under the skin of the notoriously quiet Nuggets, as his “[expletive] talking” approach has even been contagious.
(Warning: NSFW language in the tweet and video below.)
Michael Malone on Russell Westbrook in practice:
“When you’re talking shit, getting under other people’s skin, and that becomes contagious – he was so excited today when other guys started getting into it.
He was like, ‘man, I’m getting there. I’m accomplishing my goal’…” pic.twitter.com/nOcDPsWPOO
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) October 21, 2024
On-court fit aside, approaching games the way Westbrook does is something the Nuggets probably really need to get out of their perceived rut. Nikola Jokic’s gang has never been one to wear its heart on its sleeve. That comes in handy from a measured, even-keeled perspective, but it probably has its drawbacks when everyone is dreading a long road trip in the dead of winter.
Westbrook’s injection of energy and fire already appears to be a welcome addition to Denver’s mix.