Inside The Nuggets

Denver Nuggets Star Makes Russell Westbrook Statement After Practice

Russell Westbrook will make his official Denver Nuggets debut against the OKC Thunder.

Joey Linn

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures after a play in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures after a play in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Denver Nuggets will begin their 2024-25 season on Thursday night against the OKC Thunder. This game will be played in Denver where the Nuggets went 33-8 last season.

Thursday’s game will be the official Nuggets debut of nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 league MVP Russell Westbrook. Signed by the Nuggets in free agency this summer, Westbrook will begin the season as Denver’s backup point guard.

Westbrook made three NBA preseason appearances, averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per contest. Converting on five of his nine three-point attempts, Westbrook’s shot looked great in the preseason.

Speaking on Westbrook after Wednesday’s practice, Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. said head coach Michael Malone is allowing the veteran point guard to be himself.

“I think coach Malone is letting Russ be Russ,” Porter said. “… and I think Russ is enjoying it.”

Westbrook spent the last two seasons with the LA Clippers. Upon his arrival, Westbrook was made the team’s starting point guard, but was moved to the bench shortly after the Clippers acquired James Harden. Not only did this lead to a reduced role for Westbrook, but he was often playing out of position when he was in the game.

As Porter sees it, Westbrook is allowed be himself in Denver, and that’s something the future Hall of Fame point guard is enjoying.

Related Articles

Nikola Jokic Made Unprecedented History at 2024 Paris Olympics

Kevin Durant Gets Honest About How NBA Players View Nikola Jokic

Russell Westbrook Reacts to Being Snubbed From Viral NBA List

Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: 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.

Home/News