Grading the Russell Westbrook signing for the Denver Nuggets

The inevitable Russell Westbrook to Denver move was finally completed as Russ signed as a free agent for two years and $6.8 million. The second year of the deal is a player option that allows Westbrook to hit free agency again next year if he has a good year. It also gives Westbrook some security, as he at least has the option for a guaranteed deal next season regardless of how this year pans out in Denver.

For the Nuggets, it’s a cheap way to add a player with as much experience and accolades as almost anyone. The former NBA MVP and All-NBA player, Westbrook is certainly not the player he once was, but even at age 35, Russ is still an incredible athlete with an otherwordly motor.

Westbrook bring much needed energy to the Nuggets

He’ll provide a spark and a burst of energy that the Nuggets have been missing for years. He’s one of the sport’s ultimate competitors and he’ll bring an edge and intensity to the Nuggets that will hopefully rub off on other players - especially some of the younger ones.

Westbrook has faced criticism over the years for his heliocentric style of play. Especially in his later years, he’s had a hard time adapting his game to fit in as more of a role player. But he’ll likely be able to do a little of both for the Nuggets, as they may hand him the keys to the second unit and tell him to do his thing.

That can work to an extent, but there’s a very fine line between Russ helping the team and monopolizing the offense in a way that becomes harmful. It’ll be a delicate balance for Russ, Michael Malone, and the rest of the Nuggets, but if used in the right way and in the right lineups, Westbrook can definitely still be a productive NBA player. 

On paper, this is a great signing

The Nuggets badly need ballhandling, playmaking, passing, energy, and veteran leadership - which are all strengths of Russ’ game. Everywhere he has gone, Russ has been a beloved teammate and a consummate professional. 

There are far more pros than cons to this signing, and frankly, the Nuggets didn’t have much choice. They were low on options and assets and Russ checks a lot of boxes. Still, there is certainly a world where this goes horribly wrong and ends in disaster. But until then, it was a move that had to be made.