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Denver Nuggets Coach Makes Strong Statement on Russell Westbrook

Michael Malone spoke about Russell Westbrook's final season with the LA Clippers.

Joey Linn

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during Media Day.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during Media Day. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Russell Westbrook is entering his 17th season in the NBA. Spending the last two seasons with the LA Clippers, Westbrook is now with the Denver Nuggets.

Westbrook was brought to Denver for several reasons. While the leadership and intensity he brings often get emphasized, there are several ways the former MVP can help Denver on the court.

Speaking with reporters during media day, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone emphasized the defensive year Westbrook had last season with the Clippers.

“When we went back and watched as a staff, his defense last year with the Clippers, end of games he was on the opposing team's best player every night," Malone said. "You have a guy that you can close games with in Russell Westbrook who knows the league, knows personnel, has the respect of the officials, and has a competitive, 'I'm gonna get in your s—t’ mindset that I love.”

Westbrook was often tasked with tough defensive assignments last season and handled those well. Per the NBA’s tracking data, Westbrook held his opponents to 43.6 percent shooting last season which ranked sixth among guards who defended as many shots as he did.

With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gone, Westbrook will have a big defensive responsibility this season.

Russell Westbrook and Paolo Banchero
LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5). / Mike Watters-Imagn Images

As Malone mentioned, the Nuggets will need Westbrook to defend some of the league’s top guards, and that’s a role he’s shown a willingness to embrace.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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