Grading 2024-25 Season for Nuggets' Russell Westbrook at NBA All-Star Break

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Russell Westbrook is in his first season with the Denver Nuggets, but how has he performed at the midway point of the season?

Westbrook had a very interesting offseason as he found himself being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Utah then waived him, where he then found his new home in Denver. The Nuggets signed Westbrook to a two-year, veteran minimum contract that includes a player option for the 2025-26 season.

While the signing was overlooked by many due to Westbrook’s disappointing last few seasons with both the Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, it has turned into one of the best signings of the 2024 offseason.

Westbrook struggled during his time with the Lakers, who used him as their scapegoat and sent him to the Clippers during the 2022-23 season. He also struggled with the Clippers, causing them to get rid of him to begin the offseason.

While Westbrook struggled with both Los Angeles franchises, he has been able to revitalize his career in Denver. This season, the 36-year-old is averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range.

This is a drastic change from last season where Westbrook averaged a career low 11.1 points per game. The former MVP winner has thrived with Denver, even entering the starting lineup next to Jamal Murray in the backcourt.

He and Nikola Jokic have also developed chemistry, which has allowed him to stay in the starting lineup as one of the Nuggets’ top options.

While Westbrook is no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, he is still a solid role player at this point of his career. He has been out of the lineup due to an injury, but with the All-Star break coming at the perfect time, he should be ready to go for the second half of the season as the Nuggets chase another title.

Midseason grade: A

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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