Russell Westbrook slams his former team, explains why things will be better in Denver

The newest member of the Denver Nuggets has been through plenty of highs and lows in his illustrious NBA career. Russell Westbrook has played in the NBA Finals and won an MVP Award, but he’s also been unceremoniously dumped, dealt, and waived by multiple teams.

He’s been ballyhooed throughout his career, but much of the criticism has ramped up in recent years. As he started to fade out of his prime, he has struggled to adapt his game and fit in with teams as a role player. This has led to some unsuccessful stints with teams and ultimately, ugly divorces.

To say that there is skepticism around Russ’ ability to help the Nuggets would be an understatement. Despite all of his success and skill, people haven’t seen him sacrifice and change stylistically in a way that has led to winning. And at this point, most seem to doubt that a tiger can change its stripes.

Westbrook takes shots at his former teams' inability to maximize his skills

On Saturday, Russ spoke to the media after practice and tried to partially explain away some of his previous disappointing results while also talking about his future with the Nuggets. When asked about his former teams and their ability (or lack thereof) to maximize his skillset, Westbrook replied:

“They just didn’t put me in a position to make it (my skillset) unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position. Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed, use my transition skill to be able to make other guys better, makes the game easier for everyone around me, and that’s what I love to do best”.

This is a fascinating soundbite; on the one hand, it’s exactly what Nuggets fans want to hear, but on the other hand, it’s a tired tripe that surely has fans of his recent former teams rolling their eyes. 

I need to see it to believe it

I’m not totally sure what Russ means by playing out of position. This scares me a little and makes it sound like he still thinks he should be a bit of a one-man show - because that’s really the only position he’s ever played. It shouldn’t be totally up to the coaches to adapt him to fit with his team.

He has played with great players in recent years and hasn’t been able to contribute super positively. It’s hard to blame that (at least completely) on coaches and organizations; part of that is that Westbrook needs to look in the mirror and take some accountability.

I want to believe in Russ and this fit so badly, but it’s hard not to be skeptical. He’s saying the right things and the thought of using his speed and transition skills to set up teammates sounds ideal. But this isn’t groundbreaking or anything. I’m cautiously optimistic, but actions will speak much louder than words at this point.