One NBA government instructed ESPN that the Denver Nuggets should maintain Russell Westbrook completely satisfied, and which means doing one vital factor within the playoffs.
The Denver Nuggets, regardless of a shaky begin to the season, are doing fairly properly this 12 months. They presently sit second within the West with a 38-20 file.
Whereas Nikola Jokic has been enjoying at his common MVP degree, one other participant has stunned followers along with his performances this season.
Russell Westbrook, whom the Nuggets signed at the start of the season, has been a revelation. He’s enjoying among the finest basketball we now have seen from him in years.
Many consider Westbrook is Nikola Jokic’s finest teammate ever, with the 2 forming a stable connection on the courtroom. However the Nuggets may danger spoiling that connection in the event that they don’t do issues proper within the playoffs.
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One nameless NBA GM instructed ESPN that the Nuggets should proceed beginning Russell Westbrook within the playoffs. He believes that returning Russ to the bench may upset him sufficient to the purpose the place he desires to go away.
The nameless West government believes that Christian Braun, one other vital participant for the Nuggets, can be utilized differently whereas nonetheless being efficient.
“I’d maintain Russ beginning. You may’t afford to lose him, and also you would possibly in the event you don’t. He’s been a giant a part of them along with his buy-in, and you may spin it to Christian otherwise. I feel the collateral harm of 1 to the bench is way more vital than the opposite.”
Westbrook has been sturdy as a starter, averaging 14.2 factors, 7.0 assists, and 6.2 rebounds. Nonetheless, he was just lately injured and has solely simply returned to the staff.
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The Denver Nuggets have been bringing Russell Westbrook off the bench since he returned from harm. This is smart provided that he wants time to readjust to the staff.
But when they do carry him again into the beginning lineup, and he doesn’t carry out on the identical degree, ought to they maintain him there?
Westbrook has a historical past of getting upset when his beginning function is taken away from him. He mentally bottomed out on the Lakers and Clippers for a similar cause.
If the identical factor had been to occur on the Nuggets, he would possibly select to look elsewhere. That could be a dangerous proposition, as Russ has proven he can nonetheless play at a excessive degree.
However the Nuggets should do what is true for the staff. If Michael Malone feels Westbrook can’t get it achieved as a starter, then he has each proper to carry him off the bench.
