NBA pod gives Westbrook "no chance" of replacing Bruce Brown for the Nuggets

Many parts of the NBA media landscape have been discussing Russell Westbrook all summer long. Even before he signed with the Nuggets, there was rampant speculation about that eventual marriage, and it almost seemed inevitable long before it came to fruition.

But now that the deal is officially done, some are going back in and digging through this story again. It’s safe to say there’s a healthy level of skepticism, but also a fair amount of optimism regarding the fit in Denver.

The Mismatch podcast critical of Westbrook yet again

One of Westbrook’s longest-running and most preeminent haters is Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer. KOC has been one of Russ’ harshest critics for years and was already blasting this signing for the Nuggets before it even happened.

Still, the news came up once more on the Mismatch podcast, hosted by O’Connor and Chris Vernon (also of the Ringer). O’Connor has already made his position on the matter pretty well known, but wanted to chime in again, now that the deal is done.

He basically said that Reggie Jackson was a bad player last year and that if the idea is for Russ to simply replace Reggie, then fine. But as for the idea floating around that Westbrook can be the new Bruce Brown in Denver, KOC said there is “no chance”. He went on to add that Brown is essentially better than Westbrook at every meaningful basketball skill.

Vernon pushed back slightly, saying the Brown hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire since leaving Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. But KOC seems to have his mind completely made up on this one and until proven wrong, he’s sticking to his guns.

Vernon and O'Connor agree Jamal Murray key to Nuggets' season

Both co-hosts went on to agree that the biggest thing for the Nuggets this year is Jamal Murray. Murray hasn’t looked very good for Team Canada after a disappointing (and injury-plagued) season and playoff run.

The Mismatch acknowledged that while the Westbrook story is a fun wrinkle, it all boils down to the health and play of Murray. This story will only become bigger as his contract remains unsigned and he’s set to enter the final year of his current deal.