When Russell Westbrook came to the Denver Nuggets in the summer, most fans assumed he’d mostly spend his time as a part of the second unit.
Westbrook has grown accustomed to coming off the bench over the last few years with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
And while he has only started in 11 of 32 games this season, he has done an awful lot for the Nuggets during those games.
According to Bleacher Report, the Nuggets have a 9-2 record with Westbrook as a starter.
Does this mean he will remain part of the starting five for the rest of the season?
Russ making a difference in Denver 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/2VchsvUKW2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2025
Westbrook is posting 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game in 2024-25.
Yes, that is a considerable step down from what he produced a few seasons ago, but Westbrook’s role has changed.
He was once the biggest star for his teams but now he has become more of a roleplayer, someone who is placed on the floor to facilitate and complement other players.
Westbrook still makes his fair share of mistakes and fans continue to complain about inconsistency, but his impact on the Nuggets is obvious.
The team has faced a number of troubles this season but they have now won three in a row.
Unsurprisingly, Westbrook has been a starter in all three of those games.
The Nuggets’ roster could change in the weeks ahead because of trades, so Westbrook might be spending more time on the bench.
Then again, head coach Michael Malone may choose to keep him as a starter because of this impressive record.
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