The Nuggets appear to agree, but it really doesn’t seem like they know how to properly execute it.
They gave Westbrook the initial honor of doing the Wilt copycat photo with a “200” written on a piece of paper. The problem is that the 200 appears to be written with the thinnest possible writing utensil — not a thick black marker — so it’s hard to see when you squint.
For a cool milestone moment in an NBA legend’s career, it’s a little disappointing:
The awkward part about this whole thing is that Westbrook appeared to disapprove of the thin writing, too. In a post on his Instagram, Westbrook edits out the Nuggets’ 200 by unsubtly putting a 200 in big and bold font.
You know, so his achievement is more visible when he shares it and keeps it for himself. Honestly, I get it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DClIOnBRhyH/?hl=en
Two days later, the Nuggets tried to rectify their mistake. This time, to hopefully make it more visible, they gave Westbrook a giant piece of poster paper with 200 written on it. Surely, now you’d be able to see it perfectly, right?
Wrong, because they used a thin writing utensil AGAIN:
Well, at least Westbrook appears to appreciate the gesture and attempt to correct the first Chamberlain tribute. It looks like he was a good sport about it.
Still, man … how do you get that wrong twice? Just fill in the numbers, folks! Why is that so hard?? It boggles the mind.
We now are in the era of college basketball players who grew up idolizing NBA superstars from the 2010s. It makes the rest of us feel old, but it simply is an effect of time marching on.
To that end, Notre Dame freshmen [autotag]Sir Mohammed[/autotag] and [autotag]Cole Certa[/autotag] appeared on the podcast “Wake Up the Echoes” together, and a debate about two 2010s NBA stars emerged. More specifically, it was about two point guards.
Mohammed expressed appreciation for Russell Westbrook and his triple-doubles. Certa stayed true to his Illinois roots and sided with Derrick Rose. Strangely, the teammates both are taller than their respective heroes even though all of them are guards.
Both NBA stars have MVP awards, but their careers went on different trajectories. Westbrook currently is in the twilight of his career but had a terrific prime. Injuries cost Rose more accomplishments than he otherwise would have had, but he once was the most electric player in the league:
Do you prefer Rose or Westbrook? Like both? Hate both? It’s a question worth asking.
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As the Nuggets see it, the now-eldest player in their regular rotation could catalyze them to glory once more in simultaneous pursuit of his first-ever elusive championship ring. Westbrook could be their new Bruce Brown, the backup, relentlessly competitive guard who brought endless intensity en route to Denver’s 2023 title.
“This time of year, everybody’s gonna say they wanna win a championship,” Westbrook said in the preseason. “But it’s not live or die, to be honest. …
“As long as we, as a team, put our best foot forward, we can live with the results. If that’s a championship, then I’m grateful for that. If not, I’m also grateful for the opportunity.”
With Westbrook around, the Nuggets’ title window might stay wide open. But not indefinitely.
“It’s going to be incredibly hard to win another one,” Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth said. “You don’t know when this window will be over, so you have to take advantage of it.”
Nikola Jokic and Westbrook prove opposites attract
Despite their opposite play styles, Jokic and Westbrook hope to create fireworks together.
Since his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook excels most when he moves like a freight train, gaining steam on a railroad. He personifies controlled chaos, an engine of perpetual and passionate energy. And he never stops.
Jokic, on the other hand, embodies eccentric creativity. He is a cerebral conductor who has his fingertips all over a game by pulling the strings when they present themselves. Compared to Westbrook, Jokic’s stoic face after a monster scoring move in the post or a rare turnover on a poor pass are indistinguishable.
“It’s gonna be a great year figuring out ways to make the game easier for [Jokic] because he does it for everybody else,” Westbrook said.
When it comes to Jokic, Westbrook has never had this skilled of a center. Jokic has never had an explosive guard who gets to the rim at will quite like Westbrook. And Jokic understands better than anyone that the Nuggets have to give Westbrook free rein to be himself.
In other words, they have to let Russ be… Russ.
“[Westbrook] has to play how he’s comfortable,” Jokic explained early in the Nuggets’ preseason. “He has to be himself because that’s when he’s at his best, and that’s what we need.”
This is all an ideal. While optimistic about his fit, the Nuggets understand Westbrook’s history and the potential downsides of adding him to their current mix. Westbrook’s contract structure — a two-year veteran minimum deal with a 2025 player option – suggests they’re somewhat hedging their bet on him.
Still, the Nuggets won’t limit Westbrook’s identity. With his skills, you dive headfirst into the water or not at all.
Westbrook maintains head coach Michael Malone is already letting him use “his speed” instead of forcing him to be something he’s not, like when Westbrook was allowed to consistently run at top speed during Denver’s five-game preseason. He got to the rim as he pleased, and while it wasn’t always pretty, as he smoked some open layups, his occasionally wild approach was accepted because he still set the table for the Nuggets’ other key reserves in a quality fashion.
In this way, Westbrook presents a new reality for the Jokic-era Nuggets. They are famous for playing at a slow, methodical pace, always hunting for good shots, no matter how long it takes. Per RealGM, Denver was 27th in the NBA in offensive pace last year. It’s a small preseason sample size, but Denver was fourth in offensive pace this October, with Westbrook pushing the ball at the forefront of that charge.
While this speedy approach hasn’t proved to be entirely fruitful yet, and it may take time to really come together, it could be a well-worn wrinkle that makes the Nuggets less predictable and harder to defend.
As the newcomer, it’s up to Westbrook to show enough curiosity to build chemistry with his new teammates, too.
At Nuggets media day, Westbrook said he’d go out of his way to break bread with guys on the road and foster new relationships. You see it when Westbrook trades friendly barbs at practice with promising third-year forward Peyton Watson, a Southern California native who grew up idolizing him. You also see it when Westbrook takes rookie point guard Trey Alexander by his side while talking to the media to help him become a better public speaker.
It seems like Westbrook is genuinely interested in building with Jokic, respecting his talent while appreciating that the Nuggets are the reigning MVP’s team.
“To be on the floor with [Jokic] is an honor, and I’m grateful for that,” Westbrook said. “He does so many different things on the floor that allow people to be great.”
How Russell Westbrook is Jamal Murray’s steward
The main reason that Westbrook now calls Denver home is one of the NBA’s worst-kept secrets.
“It’s my job to push [Jamal Murray] every night to be the best that he can be,” Westbrook said. “He’s an unbelievable player, and he still has so much room to get better in a lot of areas. I’m grateful to be able to be here and help him along that journey.”
The Nuggets likely won’t win another title with Jokic if Murray doesn’t play at his ceiling. They certainly wouldn’t have won in 2023 without his electric 20-game run. None of their other roster questions matter as much as Murray pulling his weight.
Even after a rough 2024 postseason, the Nuggets seem to believe Murray will turn the corner. They wouldn’t have given him $200 million if they didn’t.
That’s why the professional Westbrook is their Murray insurance policy. Murray has already noticed Westbrook’s luminary presence.
“I grew up watching [Westbrook],” Murray said. “To look at Russ is like, ‘Oh, damn… that’s Russ.’ Every time he’s in the gym, he lifts not just me but everybody’s spirit and awareness.”
For some, having a chaperone would be an annoyance. They’d lash out with insecurity. But when Westbrook declares he’ll push Murray while later miming his trademark “blue arrow” celebration during a photo shoot, it’s clear he’s there to be his confidant, too.
That’s why Murray doesn’t appear bothered by Westbrook. He understands his presence is to his benefit.
“Russ brings his own energy whether you’re with him or not,” Murray mused. “That’s the best part… he goes, works and tries to lead by example.”
Russell Westbrook gives the Nuggets the ultimate motivation
Jokic’s Nuggets have never been exuberant. The Western Conference’s winningest team over the last half-decade is notorious for carrying itself with quiet confidence.
But this sort of approach can lend itself to complacency. That’s where Westbrook’s persistence comes in.
Malone has expressed as much about his veteran sixth man. At every step, Malone has praised Westbrook’s effect on the rest of his players before musing about that cliché but valuable “win it for the veteran” motivation.
“The only thing that [Westbrook] hasn’t accomplished is winning an NBA championship,” Malone said. “That’s the only thing missing from a very impressive resume.”
Westbrook’s impact is evident among Denver’s core players, too.
It starts with Murray, who asserts that Westbrook’s “relentless energy” inspires him. It continues with sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr., who is struck by Westbrook acting like “he’s the youngest guy on the court.” It’s glaring when ascending bench scorer Julian Strawther insists he has been attached to Westbrook’s hip since the moment he signed with the Nuggets in the summer.
But no one summed up Westbrook’s impact on a Nuggets team back on the hunt for another title better than stalwart Aaron Gordon, Denver’s emotional backbone.
If Gordon says winning for legendary teammates like Westbrook (and Jokic) is what now inspires him more than anything as a basketball player, it’s safe to say the rest of the Nuggets feel the same way.
“Nikola Jokic will probably finish his career as one of the greatest ever to play basketball,” Gordon said. “That’s why I push myself and work relentlessly to elevate his time in the NBA. It’s the same with Russell. He’ll also be a Hall of Famer. I’m doing everything I can to try and get him a ring.”
Russell Westbrook is getting the Nuggets to come out of their shell.
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.
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.
The Denver Nuggets remain strong contenders for another championship run, but their title hopes will largely depend on the development of young players and more consistent performances from key veterans. With the new apron rules impacting their …
The Denver Nuggets remain strong contenders for another championship run, but their title hopes will largely depend on the development of young players and more consistent performances from key veterans. With the new apron rules impacting their ability to upgrade the roster, Denver lost starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando, a major blow to their defense. His departure puts the spotlight on former first-round picks Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, who now have the opportunity to step up and fill the void.
The Nuggets also faced a tough setback with first-round pick DaRon Holmes II suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in summer league, derailing plans for him to play a crucial backup role. Although Denver brought in veterans Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook in free agency, their success will still hinge on internal growth.
Denver’s championship aspirations rest heavily on Nikola Jokic, but they’ll need strong support from Jamal Murray, who returned to form during their 2023 title run but struggled in the playoffs. As Murray enters the prime of his career at 26, he will be crucial alongside Jokic in running the offense, especially in pick-and-roll ,drive-and-kick or dribble-handoff situations where Murray needs to be the decision maker at times. Furthermore, the Nuggets will also require more consistency from Michael Porter Jr., who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but needs to deliver high-level performances more regularly.
Andre Roberson is a name that many remember when they think back to those Thunder teams in the 2010s. Known for his defensive prowess, he played alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony throughout the years in …
Andre Roberson is a name that many remember when they think back to those Thunder teams in the 2010s. Known for his defensive prowess, he played alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony throughout the years in Oklahoma City before his NBA career was cut short due to injury.
The former All-Defensive player talked with HoopsHype in a wide-ranging candid conversation about his experience so far in France with Cholet, favorite memories in OKC, his NBA career, and more.
Steven Adams predicts who’d win contest between old and current Thunder squads.
If an Oklahoma City Thunder invented a time machine, an item on their bucket list might’ve been written in thanks to Steven Adams.
The 31-year-old appeared on “The Morning Shift” podcast. One of the topics discussed was how he thinks a hypothetical contest will play out between the old Thunder and current Thunder squads.
Adams was a key piece in the Thunder’s first iteration. He served as a starter from 2013-20. He was a quality role player who fit in well with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who headlined one of the best teams in the 2010s.
Adams believes his iteration of the Thunder would hold their own against the current iteration. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams led OKC to the youngest first seed in league history last season.
“I reckon we would do pretty well but they’re still young,” Adams said. “So, like, KD, Russ — they’re like animals. They’ve already came into their own when I got there.”
Seeing Adams pick his team in this fun imaginary matchup is not a shocker. The Thunder have enjoyed a pair of successful cores in their short history in OKC.
Even with his selection, Adams is a believer in the current Thunder. It’s easy to see that considering the amount of success they’ve already had and the type of offseason they endured.
“This new OKC team, I think they’re still growing,” Adams said. “They’ve still got time. It’s a very young team. Shai’s a beast, he’s nice. Lu Dort is still an animal.”
Adams will have a chance to square off against the Thunder this season on the Houston Rockets. He missed all of last season from knee surgery.
Carmelo Anthony details divorce with Thunder after lone season in OKC.
The Oklahoma City Thunder caught headlines in the 2018 offseason when they added Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. After Kevin Durant’s departure, they suddenly were seen as title favorites led by Russell Westbrook.
But alas, the trio only lasted one season. The Thunder underperformed and were a first-round exit via the Utah Jazz. After the season, OKC wanted to shake up its roster as it tried to pursue George to sign an extension.
The biggest change involved Anthony, who struggled in his new and smaller role with the Thunder. He was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks for Dennis Schroder, where he was bought out.
In a recent podcast appearance, Anthony revealed how his divorce from the Thunder went. The future Hall-of-Famer noted he was willing to come off the bench in his second year but wasn’t given the opportunity.
“I was working with Sam (Presti), we was about to figure a deal out,” Anthony said. “… Billy Donovan called me in Paris and he was like, ‘We want to start developing Jerami Grant into the lineup, he is younger.’
“I was like, ‘Okay cool, just tell me you want me to accept that role, I am willing to work with you.’ He was like, ‘Nah, we don’t think it is going to work here anymore.'”
George — who was on the podcast — was also surprised by the move. He thought Anthony would’ve attended his free agency party for his new deal with OKC. Instead, he quickly learned the Thunder were ready to move on.
Years later, the Thunder made the right call. Grant developed into a quality starter for the Thunder and Schroder enjoyed a pair of strong seasons off the bench for OKC.
Meanwhile, Anthony struggled to stay in one spot. He spent the rest of his career as an NBA journeyman who came off the bench for playoff contenders.
A sign-and-trade deal is finally agreed upon that will send Russell Westbrook to Utah. He is expected to get bought up and sign with Denver. Here are some immediate reactions from the Internet about Westbrook leaving the Clippers.
A sign-and-trade deal is finally agreed upon that will send Russell Westbrook to Utah. He is expected to get bought up and sign with Denver.
Here are some immediate reactions from the Internet about Westbrook leaving the Clippers.
Report: Former Thunder Russell Westbrook set to join Nuggets.
In a blast from the past, the Oklahoma City Thunder will see a familiar face in their divisional matchups. Russell Westbrook is expected to sign with the Denver Nuggets, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 2016-17 MVP winner was traded to the Utah Jazz from the LA Clippers. The 35-year-old received a buyout on his deal and is set to join Denver in a presumed bench role.
Westbrook enjoyed the best years of his career with the Thunder from 2008-19. Since then, he’s jumped around the league. The Nuggets will be his fifth squad in six seasons.
Westbrook spent last season with the Clippers. He averaged 11.1 points on 45.4% shooting, five rebounds and 4.5 assists off the bench. He now joins three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
The Thunder and Nuggets will square off as two of the top teams in the Western Conference next season.