Russell Westbrook to the Nuggets isn’t official just yet, but all indications are that the former MVP will be signing in Denver any day now. There has been rumored mutual interest for weeks and Nikola Jokic was even pushing the team to add Russ. Now that he’s been traded to the Jazz and waived, the coast is clear for the Nuggets to add him on a minimum deal officially.
The fit and need for both sides is apparent. The Nuggets lost Reggie Jackson this offseason and Jalen Pickett did not resemble an NBA player in Summer League. They desperately need a backup point guard, ideally one with some veteran presence and leadership.
At this point in his career, that’s exactly what Westbrook should be able to provide. But despite all of his achievements, Westbrook is one of the most polarizing players in NBA history for his flaws and playing style.
Kevin O'Connor dubs Westbrook "unfixable"
One of his loudest and most consistent detractors has been Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer and the Mismtach Podcast. KOC has been anti-Westbrook for most of his career, still blaming Russ for shooting more than Kevin Durant in the 2012 Finals even.
On the July 23rd episode of the Mismatch with Chris Vernon, KOC doubled down on his Westbrook takes as the duo discussed his fit with the Nuggets. O’Connor was immediately dubious, going as far as to call Westbrook “unfixable”.
Vernon attempted to push back, claiming that Nikola Jokic always gets the most out of his teammates, but KOC countered by comparing Jokic to Tom Brady and bringing up failed reclamation projects in New England like Antonio Brown and Chad Ochocinco.
KOC says Westbrook not as good as Reggie Jackson
O’Connor readily agreed when Vernon suggested that Jokic making KOC like Westbrook would be his greatest achievement in the NBA. He went a step further, saying Westbrook isn’t even as good as Reggie Jackson and that he’s “not even close” to Bruce Brown.
KOC even went as far as to speculate that the Nuggets haven’t officially signed Russ because there is some internal disagreement in the front office and they are doing everything they can to explore other options and see if they can add a different veteran point guard.
Whether the Nuggets ultimately sign Westbrook or not (they almost certainly will), it’s clear that the takes and this story aren’t going away any time soon. The Westbrook experience is a polarizing one, and it appears that experience is heading to Denver for the foreseeable future.