May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches the final minutes of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder from the bench in the fourth quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Clippers Legend Calls For Change In Denver Following Playoff Elimination

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 23, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets could very well go down as the toughest competition the Oklahoma City Thunder will have faced if they continue to look like they do, holding a 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. However, Denver being able to say that doesn't earn them any kind of trophy.

After pushing the Thunder to seven games, the Nuggets were blown out in Game 7, exposing some weaknesses in their roster. Throughout the series, key players Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook were underwhelming to say the least, and could both be on their way out this offseason. Speaking about Denver, ex- Los Angeles Clippers star Lou Williams voiced his opinions.

The Nuggets think their championship core can get another ring, but Lou Williams is a little skeptical @TeamLou23 says Denver needs to figure out their plan for Michael Porter Jr. and find some real role players, not former MVPs, like Russell Westbrook ️ pic.twitter.com/4PiP42o3LP
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 23, 2025

"If you got Jokic, you got Murray, you got Gordon, from there I feel like then you start seeing what we can do," Williams shared on FanDuel TV's Run It Back. "As far as [Michael Porter Jr.] goes, they gotta figure that out...Now you gotta go back out and you gotta find guys that fit that mold."

Adding on, Williams shared his take on Westbrook, who drew plenty of criticism after his performance against the Thunder. "Russell Westbrook was a great role player for them. Russell Westbrook ain't no role player, that's a former MVP right there. He's wired a certain way. You gotta go out there and get guys that a wired for a certain type of job."

Russell Westbrook finished with a -92 plus/minus in the Nuggets-Thunder series. Final stats:

9.9 PPG
34.8 FG%
21.9 3P%
2.4 AST
2.6 TOV

Another volatile series for Russ. pic.twitter.com/fNN8aPByIw
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 18, 2025

If Denver does want to make some serious changes to their team this offseason, it will likely require them to part ways with Porter Jr. due to his contract. However, they could also look to make some smaller moves, like adding a Bruce Brown or other free agents on team-friendly deals.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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