Russell Westbrook, a nine-time NBA All-Star and former league MVP, is no stranger to controversy, but his recent comments about his struggles with past teams have reignited debate among basketball fans and critics alike. Speaking after a Denver Nuggets practice session, Westbrook openly reflected on his stints with four different teams since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019. The former MVP did not hold back, pointing fingers at his previous teams for failing to maximize his unique skill set.
“To be honest, (my skill set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in a position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position,” said Westbrook, making it clear that he feels the systems around him in past teams were to blame for his lack of success.
Russell Westbrook on his unique skill-set and fit in Denver vs. previous stops:
“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position.”
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“Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed…” pic.twitter.com/jyiVM3yVlI
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) September 28, 2024
While many fans continue to root for Russell Westbrook as he joins the Denver Nuggets, others found his comments a bit too self-serving, considering his well-documented struggles in recent years, especially during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. His inability to fit into various roles, coupled with poor shooting and turnover issues, has led many to question whether the problem lies solely with his teams or whether Westbrook himself has failed to adapt.
Westbrook’s tenure with the Lakers was particularly rocky. Paired with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers hoped Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and playmaking would boost the team’s chances at another championship. However, the results were disappointing. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Westbrook’s inconsistent shooting and tendency to turn the ball over in crucial moments became a focal point of criticism.
Unsurprisingly, Westbrook’s recent remarks triggered a wave of responses from fans on social media. Many were quick to call out the point guard for not taking more personal responsibility for his recent struggles.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) didn’t hold back: “He needs to let go of this Victim Mentality. The Lakers / Vogel / LeBron let him run the show, and he went on to average almost 6 turnovers, shot 29% from 3, and blew at least 10-12 games with horrible 4th QTR decisions. Letting Russ be Russ will destroy your chances of success.”
Other fans echoed the sentiment that Westbrook’s refusal to self-reflect might spell trouble for his new team: “This is a bad sign for Nuggets fans. Bro still hasn’t humbled himself enough to see that he was one of the main problems.”
This is a bad sign for nuggets fans lmaoo. Bro still hasn’t humbled himself enough to see that he was one of the main problems.
— Amari Thompson🏀™️ (@2live_mari) September 28, 2024
However, not all responses were negative. Some fans remained optimistic about Westbrook’s potential fit with the Nuggets, believing he could thrive under coach Mike Malone’s system and alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
“As a lifelong Nuggets fan, they just need to let Russ be Russ for 35 minutes a game. Put the ball in his hands and let him go to work. Joker will be deadly off ball!” another fan tweeted, expressing hope that the Nuggets can unlock the full potential of Westbrook’s game.
As a nuggets fan we need to let Russ be Russ 💯
— ‘ (@SoIomonHill) September 28, 2024
One key difference this time around is Westbrook’s confidence in his new coach, Mike Malone. Westbrook, who has joined a Nuggets team fresh off a championship win, expressed trust in Malone’s ability to use his talents effectively. Unlike previous coaches, Westbrook seems to believe Malone can position him for success.
“Being able to be here and coach Malone allowing me to be able to use my speed, use my transition skills to make other guys better. It makes the game for everyone else around me and that’s what I love to do best,” Westbrook said. This statement suggests that the veteran guard feels reinvigorated by the opportunity to once again play to his strengths, something he claims was missing in his recent stints with teams like the Lakers and Washington Wizards.
Malone, for his part, is high on Westbrook’s leadership and energy. During the Denver Nuggets‘ media day, the coach emphasized the positive impact Westbrook has already made since joining the team in the offseason.
“Russ was in the gym yesterday, and there was just a different energy,” Malone said. “Can’t explain it. But it’s just his voice, his leadership, his intensity, his competitive spirit.”
It’s clear that Malone believes Westbrook’s veteran experience and competitiveness can be valuable assets as the Nuggets look to defend their championship. But whether or not Westbrook can adapt and thrive in this new system remains a question that fans and analysts alike are eager to see answered.
While Russell Westbrook’s confidence in his own abilities is commendable, there’s no denying that his performance has slipped in recent years. His comments about being misused by previous teams might hold some truth, but they also hint at a reluctance to take responsibility for his own shortcomings. Westbrook’s shooting percentages have plummeted, his turnover rate has been alarmingly high, and his decision-making in clutch moments has cost his teams valuable wins.
It’s understandable that Russell Westbrook, a former MVP, would be frustrated by his recent struggles. But the greatest players in NBA history have all had to evolve and adapt as they’ve aged. LeBron James transformed his game to stay relevant, as did Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant before him. If Westbrook is to find success with the Nuggets, it will likely require more self-reflection and a willingness to adapt to a role that doesn’t always allow him to be the dominant, ball-dominant player he once was.
For now, Westbrook’s fans will continue to cheer him on, hoping that he can prove his doubters wrong. But as the season progresses, the pressure will mount, and it will be up to Westbrook to show that he’s capable of rising to the occasion—without blaming others when things go wrong.
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