NBA star Russell Westbrook has not been effective for the Denver Nuggets this season. The old problems of Westbrook’s inefficiency have been the main focus of his stint with the Nuggets. The triple-double machine has only played two games this season but hasn’t been productive.
This season is Westbrook’s 17th year in the league. Since entering his 30s, the explosive guard has not found a stable team. He was frequently traded or switched teams. Following his final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018-19 season, he has joined five other organizations around the association.
His offensive weaknesses, mainly his lack of a reliable outside shot, have affected his future with most teams. Regretfully, Westbrook’s on-court problems have surfaced again this season. In his debut game with the Nuggets, the nine-time All-Star posted six points, five rebounds and five assists after shooting 1-for-9 from the 3-point line against the Thunder.
Westbrook followed it up with an even more underwhelming performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. The point guard came off the bench and scored two points on 0-for-3 shooting from beyond the arc. The two-time All-Star Game MVP shot poorly from the field as he attempted eight shots and failed to make a single basket.
An NBA scout who wishes to remain anonymous discussed Russell Westbrook’s possible future with the Nuggets. According to the scout, Denver has to cut the 36-year-old guard from the team. The scout also suggested that the backup point guard should consider retirement soon.
“They need to cut Russ. He can’t shoot. They have no spacing when he’s on the court. Teams are literally daring him to shoot and just crowding Jokic in the paint,” the scout told HoopsWire. “And when he drives to the rim, he gets so deep and out of position that he can’t hit layups. Russ needs to retire. He’s not a good player anymore.”
An NBA scout says the Nuggets should cut Russell Westbrook and believes he should retire
“They need to cut Russ. He can’t shoot. They have no spacing when he’s on the court. Teams are literally daring him to shoot and just crowding Jokic in the paint. And when he drives to the… pic.twitter.com/WVlHDMYDc7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 28, 2024
On Monday, Westbrook’s status with the Nuggets improved. Denver defeated the Toronto Raptors 127-125 in overtime. The 2016-17 NBA MVP had a decent game and finished with nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
The game between the Nuggets and the Raptors went down to the wire. Players were physical, including Russell Westbrook. During a transition play, Scottie Barnes had the ball in the open court and went up to score. However, he was met by Westbrook, who defended the attempt a little too physically.
Barnes went down right away to complain about Russe Westbrook contesting him. The veteran guard didn’t think much about his defense on the Raptors star and said some words back. During the heated moment, Aaron Gordon had to intervene and protect his teammate.
Watch the video below to see the sequence.
Scottie Barnes, Russell Westbrook, and Aaron Gordon exchange words.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 29, 2024
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