NBA GM Makes Russell Westbrook Warning For Denver Nuggets Before Playoffs

What to do with Westbrook?

Russell Westbrook was one of the reasons for the Nuggets' resurgence. 

Aaron Gordon was briefly sidelined with an injury and Westbrook was put into the starting lineup. Watching Westbrook and Jokic learn each other's tendencies on the fly was eye-opening. 

Westbrook was recently injured and has come off the bench since his return. But it might be the starting lineup where the Nuggets could get the most out of Westbrook. 

"I'd keep Russ starting," a West executive said. "You can't afford to lose him, and you might if you don't. 

"He's been a big part of them with his buy-in, and you can spin it to Christian differently. I think the collateral damage of one to the bench is much more significant than the other."

As a starter, Westbrook has averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 assists and 6.2 rebounds. 

His efficiency has gone up since joining the Nuggets after departing the Los Angeles Clippers. 

On 2-point field goals, he's shooting 54%, the highest of his career. Even his 3-point field goal percentage has gone up to 32.8% this season from 27.3% last season. 

Some players just see the game in a different way, a way that makes it seem like they're always one step ahead. The Nuggets have two of those players in Jokic and Westbrook. 

How the Nuggets handle Westbrook for the next few months will likely dictate how their postseason run goes.