DENVER — The idea of ​​Russell Westbrook in 2024 is less enticing than ever.

The polarizing star has bounced around five NBA teams in the last six years, being scapegoated almost every time. At age 35, Westbrook is a glorified basketball experiment that ultimately involves him making sacrifices in the name of the greater good.

For three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets, Westbrook could be a blessing.

Two summers ago, Jokic’s Nuggets rose to the top of the NBA, claiming the franchise’s first-ever championship while gently sparking dynasty discussions. The Nuggets failed to win back-to-back titles in May. Then they entered an offseason marked by turmoil at worst and stagnation at best.

From the Nuggets’ perspective, the now oldest player in their regular rotation could lead them to glory once again while also pursuing his first-ever elusive championship ring. Westbrook could be their new Bruce Brown, the relentlessly competitive backup guard who brought endless intensity en route to Denver’s 2023 title.

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“This time of year everyone is going to say they want to win a championship,” Westbrook said in the preseason. “To be honest, it’s not a matter of living or dying. …

“As long as we do our best as a team, we can live with the results. If this is a championship, then I’m grateful for it. If not, I’m grateful for the opportunity too.”

With Westbrook, the Nuggets’ title window could remain wide open. But not indefinitely.

“It will be incredibly difficult to win again,” said Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth. “You don’t know when this window of opportunity will be over, so you have to take advantage of it.”

Nikola Jokic and Westbrook prove that opposites attract

Despite their different playing styles, Jokic and Westbrook hope to create fireworks together.

Since his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook shines most when he moves like a freight train and gains speed on a railroad. He embodies controlled chaos, an engine of eternal and passionate energy. And he never stops.

Jokic, on the other hand, embodies eccentric creativity. He is a spiritual conductor who has his fingertips throughout the game and pulls the strings when they arise. Compared to Westbrook, Jokic’s stoic expression after a monster shot on goal in the post or a rare loss of the ball on a bad pass are indistinguishable.

“It’s going to be a great year finding ways to make the game easier for (Jokic) because he does it for everyone else,” Westbrook said.

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As for Jokic, Westbrook has never had such a competent center. Jokic has never had a guard as explosive as Westbrook, who can get to the rim at will. And Jokic understands better than anyone that the Nuggets need to give Westbrook free rein to be himself.

In other words, they need to leave Russ alone… Russ.

“(Westbrook) has to play the way he feels comfortable,” Jokic explained at the start of the Nuggets’ preseason. “He has to be himself because that’s when he’s at his best and that’s what we need.”

This is all an ideal. While the Nuggets are optimistic about his suitability, they understand Westbrook’s history and the potential drawbacks of adding him to their current roster. Westbrook’s contract structure – a veteran contract with a minimum of two years and a player option through 2025 – suggests they are hedging their bet on him somewhat.

Still, the Nuggets won’t limit Westbrook’s identity. With his skills you can plunge headfirst into the water or not at all.

Westbrook claims head coach Michael Malone is already letting him use “his speed” instead of forcing him to be something he’s not, like when Westbrook was allowed to consistently run at top speed during Denver’s five-game preseason. He got to the rim as he pleased, and while it wasn’t always pretty as he smoked some open layups, his occasionally wild approach was accepted because he still set the table in quality fashion for the Nuggets’ other key reserves.

In doing so, Westbrook presents a new reality for the Jokic-era Nuggets. They are known for playing at a slow, methodical pace, always looking for good shots, no matter how long it takes. According to RealGM, Denver ranked 27th in the NBA in offensive pace last year. While it’s a small preseason sample, Denver ranked fourth in offensive tempo this October, with Westbrook running the ball at the forefront of that attack.

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While this quick approach hasn’t proven entirely fruitful yet and may take some time to really come together, it could be a worn wrinkle that makes the Nuggets less predictable and harder to defend.

As a rookie, it’s up to Westbrook to show enough curiosity to build chemistry with his new teammates as well.

At Nuggets media day, Westbrook said he would do his best to break bread with guys on tour and build new relationships. You see it when Westbrook exchanges friendly remarks in practice with promising third-year forward Peyton Watson, a Southern California native who idolized him as a child. You also see it when Westbrook takes rookie point guard Trey Alexander by his side while he speaks to the media to help him become a better public speaker.

It seems like Westbrook is genuinely interested in working with Jokic, respecting his talent while appreciating that the Nuggets are the reigning MVP’s team.

“It’s an honor to be on the floor with (Jokic) and I’m grateful for that,” Westbrook said. “He does so many different things on the floor that allow people to be great.”

How Russell Westbrook is Jamal Murray’s caretaker

The main reason Westbrook now calls Denver home is one of the NBA’s worst-kept secrets.

“It’s my job to push (Jamal Murray) to be his best every night,” Westbrook said. “He is an incredible player and still has a lot of room for improvement in many areas. I’m grateful to be here and help him on this journey.”

The Nuggets probably won’t win another title with Jokic if Murray doesn’t play at his limits. Without his impressive 20-game streak, they certainly wouldn’t have won in 2023. None of their other roster questions are as important as Murray contributing.

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Even after a difficult 2024 postseason, the Nuggets seem to believe Murray will turn things around. Otherwise they wouldn’t have given him $200 million.

That’s why professional Westbrook is your Murray insurance policy. Murray has already noticed Westbrook’s towering presence.

“I grew up watching (Westbrook),” Murray said. “Looking at Russ is like, ‘Oh, damn…that’s Russ.’ Every time he’s in the gym he lifts not only me, but everyone’s spirit and consciousness.”

For some, having a companion would be a nuisance. They would lash out out of insecurity. But when Westbrook explains that he’ll be pushing Murray while later recreating his signature “Blue Arrow” celebration during a photo shoot, it’s clear he’s there as his confidant, too.

That’s why Murray doesn’t seem to bother Westbrook. He understands that his presence is to his advantage.

“Russ brings his own energy whether you’re with him or not,” Murray mused. “That’s the best part…he goes and works and tries to lead by example.”

Russell Westbrook gives the Nuggets the ultimate motivation

Jokic’s nuggets have never been exuberant. The winningest team in the Western Conference over the past half-decade is notorious for its quiet confidence.

But such an approach can lead to complacency. This is where Westbrook’s persistence comes into play.

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Malone also expressed this about his experienced sixth man. At every step, Malone praised Westbrook’s impact on the rest of his players before reflecting on the cliched but valuable motivation of “victory for the veteran.”

“The only thing (Westbrook) hasn’t done is win an NBA championship,” Malone said. “That’s the one thing missing from a very impressive resume.”

Westbrook’s influence is also evident among Denver’s core players.

It starts with Murray claiming that Westbrook’s “relentless energy” inspires him. Moving on, sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. is impressed by Westbrook as if he were “the youngest man on the court.” It’s glaring when rising bench scorer Julian Strawther insists he’s been on Westbrook’s hip since the moment he signed with the Nuggets over the summer.

But no one summed up Westbrook’s impact on a Nuggets team in pursuit of another title better than the stalwart Aaron Gordon, Denver’s emotional backbone.

When Gordon says that winning for legendary teammates like Westbrook (and Jokic) inspires him more than anything now as a basketball player, it’s safe to say the rest of the Nuggets feel the same way.

“Nikola Jokic will likely finish his career as one of the greatest basketball players of all time,” Gordon said. “That’s why I strive and work tirelessly to extend his time in the NBA. It’s the same with Russell. He will also be a Hall of Famer. I’m doing everything I can to get him a ring.”