The Los Angeles Lakers' disastrous trade for Russell Westbrook instantly changed their fortunes. They had built a team with shooting and defense around LeBron James and Anthony Davis but could not resist adding another star. LA missed the playoffs in 2022 and traded him before the 2023 deadline for role players. The Lakers immediately returned to the playoffs and reached the conference finals.
The future Hall of Famer has bounced around since leaving the Thunder. Westbrook joined the Nuggets this offseason after Nikola Jokic urged his franchise. Denver was still reeling from their second-round playoff loss, and the Joker believed he would be a difference-maker.
The Nuggets are currently 12-10 and seventh in the Western Conference. It has been a disappointing season. Jokic continues to prove he is the best player on the planet, but Denver is 5-5 in their last ten. They look far from a title contender, and Westbrook deserves part of the blame.
Nuggets are finding out Russell Westbrook is no longer a difference-maker
Westbrook has played in each of the Nuggets’ first 22 games but has produced a positive plus-minus four times. Denver has been outscored by the opposition 16 times with the former MVP on the floor and was neutral twice. The Nuggets have a negative-8.4 net rating with Westbrook in the game.
Fans know Westbrook’s deficiencies too well at this stage. He has made 35.0 percent of his 80 3-point attempts this season, but the 36-year-old gets treated as a non-shooter. Denver is 26th in 3-pointers made this season. They have a middling offensive rating with Westbrook on the floor, but their defensive mark would be the worst in the NBA. He struggles to defend on the perimeter and makes life hard on his team.
Michael Malone is playing him 24.8 minutes per game because of the Nuggets lack of depth. Westbrook is shooting under 40 percent from the field and continues to produce below-league-average win shares per 48 minutes. Throw the stats out the window, the future Hall of Famer gives up more points than creates, which is a problem for a team with championship aspirations.
Westbrook was one of the best players in the world in his prime. He made the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and nobody is questioning his impact on the game. The 6’4 guard is no longer that player and several teams know it by now. Westbrook struggled on the Rockets, Lakers, and Clippers before arriving in the Mile High City. The Nuggets cannot be shocked by his production. Westbrook keeps piling on the points and assists, but is not helping the team win.
The Los Angeles Lakers have their own problems and must learn from their Westbrook mistake. They should not go star chasing before the deadline. The Lakers need role players who can help them get into the playoffs. Russell Westbrook is the Nuggets’ issue now.