1. Russell Westbrook
The Clippers traded Westbrook to Utah, but the Jazz waiving him opened the door for the Nuggets to sign him to a minimum contract. Nikola Jokic wanted Denver to add him, despite Westbrook’s recent struggles. The former MVP can still get buckets and make plays, but he is no longer elite.
Things blew up for Westbrook on the Lakers and Clippers because of his need to have the ball. That is fine when you are the superstar, but does not work as an ancillary option. The 6’4 guard does not space the floor and is far from a lockdown defender. Without scoring and making plays, Westbrook quickly becomes a negative.
He settled into a bench role last season with the Clippers, but is willing to be a reserve behind Christian Braun? If the Nuggets start him, they could have issues on both ends of the floor. Jokic will be their primary creator and Murray is number two. That likely leaves a small reserve role for Westbrook that only works if he embraces it.
The Denver Nuggets could see all of their signings blow up by January. The only other free agent they signed was DeAndre Jordan, who can no longer handle a nightly role. If their signings flop, Denver may be in for a rough year, which is the last thing they want with the Joker in his prime. All fans can do is hope for the best.