Keeler: Russell Westbrook wanted to come back to Nuggets? Sorry, Russ. You’re better off without each other

Russell Westbrook and the Nuggets: Better Apart

Russell Westbrook remains one of the most polarizing figures in basketball. He’s like a lead singer who sometimes misses the high notes but keeps performing with passion. Fans either adore or dread his energy — there is rarely indifference.

“When Russ is good, he’ll send you over the moon. When he’s bad, he’ll send you into the liquor cabinet.”

On Monday night, wearing a blue Nuggets Westbrook jersey, Simon Sawaqed of Westminster said during Denver’s 130–124 win over Sacramento:

“He played hero ball a little bit much. But I liked him for it, you know? And I really appreciate his time here. He’s my favorite player — him or LeBron. And the fact he got to come here and play for us, it’s a blessing.”

Yet that blessing came with complications. For every dazzling performance against the Clippers, there was a disappointing night against Minnesota. Westbrook lit up Ball Arena with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, but the truth remains: Denver and Westbrook are better off without each other.

The Nuggets need complementary rhythm players who can blend with Nikola Jokic’s orchestration. Westbrook, on the other hand, thrives when he can control the tempo and dominate possession — something Denver already has covered. Still, when paired with Jokic, Russ occasionally shined, showing flashes of what could have been.

Author’s Summary

Westbrook’s energy and individuality made him both thrilling and divisive in Denver, proving that sometimes even two great performers need separate stages to truly excel.

more

The Denver Post The Denver Post — 2025-11-05

More News