@@HamzaTariq-v3j the only Reason why I ever got into basketball was cause every time my big bro wanted to play 2k when I was 4, i would always play as KD or Westbrook, mostly Westbrook lol. Also I've always wanted to dunk and match his nuclear athleticism and his explosiveness .
Russ is a good fit for the nuggets...but the nuggets need to get another big..a center or a 6'10" power forward who can shoot threes...a Mel Carter or Kelly olynyk
They needed to add him. The bench would be an absolute disaster without someone who has experience as a floor manager. Who else where they going to get? He's also good insurance for Murray, who misses time frequently.
Another thing not talked about is Jokic and Murray run quite a few Picks with Jokic on ball and Murray setting the pick. This with Russ as the pick setter and rolling puts defences in a tricky situation. Jokic can read it like a guard, the defenders have to navigate it properly cause a switch is a bad idea, if they don’t and someone has to help both can make the right read to the open man. It’s like a reverse pick and roll and I really hope the Nuggets try it. Not going to be the main play choice but it does theoretically create all sorts of nonsense for defenders.
The floor would be a better Reggie Jackson, who's getting playing time lol. If the Nuggets get a Bruce Brown equivalent like the video says, it's already a steal. If they get a spurt of MVP Russ on an important playoff game which he's still capable of doing, it's the icing on the cake. It's gonna be quite funny if Russ ends up winning a chip in Denver. Russ has not only locked out Reggie Jackson from the OKC starting spot and got the accolades there, Russ might end up locking him out of the Denver 6th man spot and winning a chip that way.
frequently? Murray has only had one serious injury Since coming into the league lol. Some people like to rest you know, Denver usually has a top 3 spot in the playoffs on Lock and or they rest him when they play a bum team such as Pistons, Spurs etc etc
I agree, I think people are forgetting how bad Denvers bench was last year. They were the worst in the league, Russ will improve them, I am almost certain of that.
I've always wanted a redemption story arc for Russ, maybe next season if the stars align , Nuggets meet Suns in the west finals, Russ takes his revenge on KD and proceeds to win a ring. A man can dream.
I mean it would be awesome if he won a ring, but the man doesn't need a "redemption story arc". He stopped being a super star when he got older, happens to everyone. But only people who are too online will insist that Russ wasn't a historically good PG in his prime. The stat padder stuff is just reddit brain.
@@Brickwilliams pretty sure that wasn't in a negative way, there is multiple videos of them laughing and showing each other respect. russ loves okc and always will
yall aint winning no chip. This team is a drastic downgrade from the team that won it for the first time. The big advantage nuggets used to have was how deep you guys were now the key role players are gone
@@Astelchthe team definitely is weaker without Bruce Brown and KCP I wouldn’t count the nuggets out completely from the title I’d have them as 3rd or 4th in the running.
Would love to see Nuggets vs Bucks in the finals to see Giannis and Jokic battle for a second ring while Russ and dame both have a chance at their first.
@@kenarkind I said he was never going to win a ring because he doesn't play winning baske ball....I was right. I told laker fans he wouldn't work......I was right. I told everyone he sucks.....I was right. He is 2nd all time in turnovers, 1st in missed layups, and 12th in most missed shots, throws away the ball, makes wrong decisions, and out of control. He's been doing it since OKC and its why no one wants him.
@@alfasiger4178sure! I wasn’t disagreeing with any of that. BUT, I watch basketball because it’s fun. The idea of him having a redemption arc, I like that. So even if it doesn’t work. I like hoping it does. I wasn’t challenging you dude. No need to assert yourself.
I really believe Westbrook can become sixth man of the year. What the nuggets need is an experienced floor general who can lead the bench unit since they are really lost because they can't create good offense. Russ taking that role could be bigger than signing any superstar in the league. He can also play with Jokic on the court if he takes the role of a cutter. He is way too quick when he is cutting and he has the best passer in the game ready to deliver to him. Can't wait to see how this works out
I am a big Nuggets fan and listen to the DNVR pod every day. It wasnt really just a request to the FO out of the blue. Deandre Jordan is friends with Westbrook and brokered communication between Westbrook and Jokic. So they talked together a big before coming to the conclusion that he was good with it.
Nikola jokic already knew about what Russ brings to the table lol he knocked them out of playoff contention with a game winner after breaking the triple double record . That was the beginning of the joker afterwards
@@jokada6 why would you argue with a report made by a beat reporter? Especially when DJ is known for being a super extrovert that knows everyone and Jokic being an infamous introvert that is a secret to his own teammates? DJ was a connection for Jeff Green and Bruce Brown also coming to Denver.
@@Richbeans115 because it’s literally a known fact that jokic and russ were already good friends from years ago when they connected at an all star game
Westbrook might actually be good for the Nuggets. I used to hate on him, but since he's left the Lakers he's really shown that he has so much more to give. I'm a fan of this trade.
My issue with WB was his money ($45M/year for his inefficient production. But for $3.3 million? He is a great buy to have for 15-20mpg. He plays one way, hard. That much I can respect.
@@jlui21 russ has never been an inefficient producer simply an inefficient shooter 32 11 10 25 10 10 23 11 10 27 8 7 22 12 12 forced to take a lesser role 18 7 7 15 6 5 10 5 5 he wasted 3 years in california and could have put up triple doubles but took a step back. luckily hes remained healthy and can be more free with Jokic
2017 was by far the most exciting player in the league and I believe he still has some of that in him. A quick guy like him should be lethal with Jokic and some curl actions
It may not be the "right" move, but I do hope it works out for Westbrook. He has had a rough run, lately, and he is definitely one of the best to ever touch the roundball.
@@chrispfeiffer6905 he can cut well, there's no downside to having two good cutters, especially when neither is a very good shot. There are possible scenarios in which this is the best Nuggets team yet.
This Jokic guy looks like he knows a little bit about basketball, so I trust him. But seriously, I wasn't always on Westbrock's side, but recently he has been able to impress as a player for the Clippers, especially on the defensive end. Great deal for the Nuggets.
@@user-lx5jf4vi2k Yes, that could be an easy solution for me. I keep that in mind.. 😆In fact, I have at least partially blamed him in the past when his team was doing poorly, but I like him a lot more now, which probably has something to do with his acceptance of a much smaller role.
@@vulcanraven9701 He was also a week or so off of a hand injury, a hand that was operated on about a month prior. That's probably a good part of why his shooting splits were so godawful.
The main issue was being off the ball so much due to Harden playing 38-42 mins of pg. Russ' production has always been better when he is on the ball more. That was a decision Coach Lue made and it was what it was. Russ has gotten better off the ball but it's not a strength. With Harden's ability to shoot the ball, including a fairly decent catch and shoot percentage, Coach Lue should have allotted Russ at least 12 mins per game as a point guard, about 3 minutes per qtr. Especially this last postseason. The Mavericks had deciphered The Clippers offense and Russ on the ball could have given them a nice change up. I think Coach Malone and his staff will find ways to use Russ more on the ball during his minutes on the floor. It's going to be fun to watch him, Jokic, and Gordon, if they get a chance to play some key minutes together... Russ running the floor with those greyhounds you guys have off your bench? Watson, Braun, Strawther, and Russ?? Gonna be a lot of dunking Mile High!!
Wow, really appreciate that. There are def heaps of people out there who know more ball than me but I atlleast try to combine a few things to make the vids as interesting and informative as possible
@@6manYTit should be still entertaining for most more casuals fans who didnt deep dive in tactics and fil studies. your voice is also very nice. important for me
@@Serenity01871 Yeh I try to make the content digestible for everyone watching. I appreciate the compliment on the voice haha, some people complain about the accent lol but glad a few people like it
Your consistency and ability to find interesting narratives in the NBA is truly amazing! Awesome way to stay connected to the sport in the off season. Please keep churning stuff out, look forward to watching everything :D
Really means a lot, I set a goal on trying to work every day during this offseason to do just that. So to hear people are enjoying the content means a lot. Won't be stopping anytime soon :)
@@6manYT thanks a lot for keeping this a positive video instead of the shitposting laker-fans. Russ was a great addition for the clippers and I'm sad to see him leave, at least it's to my second favorite team :)
Russ is a rim runner, and the nuggets have tons of already great shooters. it would be an amazing fit especially in a 5 out system. leaves russ open for dunks and if they collapse you have tons of amazing shooters ready to splash it. as long as russ can change his game enough to be a primary passer vs his old rim running tactics, then it should be an amazing pick up for the nuggets. the problem with the lakers is they needed shooters, and they got russ which only hurt their offense with too many paint dominant players. excited to see how well he fits with jokic, and hopefully jokic can be a great tutor on the passing side of the game.
Very good analysis! I agree with you. Jokic naturally spaces the floor, as does MPJ and Murray, so if for instance Saric and Russ come in for Braun and Gordon, you can go five out with Jokic, Saric, MPJ, Murray, and Russ for 2-3 mins before either Murray or Jokic needs a blow. Staggering minutes are going to be crucial for Coach Malone this season because one of his two best players should always be on the floor but it makes no sense to burn out Jokic and Murray during the regular season, when you have a veteran pg like Russ. He's going to have to find a group that compliments Russ, so Russ can lead his offense with both Jokic and Murray on the bench or use either Jokic and Murray more with the reserves and start Russ at pg, with Murray moving to KCP's shooting guard spot. That's what i would do if i were Coach Malone. It's easier to stagger minutes that way, in my view. I would say start Jokic, AG, MPJ, Murray, and Russ, then give Murray a rest around the 6-7 min mark......give him a 3-4 min breather and bring him in to close the first qtr and to start the 2nd qtr..... It might be best to have Murray with the younger guys that know the system(Russ doesn't know the system that well yet) until Jokic returns. Russ being new to the team and the system should probably be on the floor with your core 4 as much as possible. I said it to Clippers fans....trading for James Harden made little sense unless the team also moved Big Zu, found a floor spacing big, and started Kawhi, PG, Harden, and Russ together. A five out system was what i believe they needed, just like Brad Stevens designed in Boston for Tatum and Brown. I think playing five out would do wonders for The Nuggets but i understand AG has to get his 30-34 mins, so probably 14-18 mins of five out basketball is what The Nuggets should be looking for.
I believe Russ is there to lead the bench which is what the Nuggets need the most. The bench looks lost and they can't create good looks. Russ will fit perfectly there and it will also be great for the bench players to have someone who runs the offense for them. He can also play with Jokic on the floor cause he is fast cutter and Jokic is great at detecting cuts. Will be a great season for us Nuggets fans
Lol. If you are playing Westbrook you don't have a 5 out offense. Westbrook is not good defensively. Is Turnover prone. And is an inefficient scorer at all 3 levels. He's a volume guy on a bad team where he can put up huge stats. He has no place as a role player on a title team.
Man I can't wait for the season to start! Russ adds lightning to the Nuggets! I'm a Clipper fan, but also love Russ. I want what's best for him. I would be elated if Denver became unstoppable because the organization listened to Jokic 😊
people doesnt understand that he comes for a minimum and as the 5th or sixth best layer not second or third also u cant go wrong with 4 mil and hes better than reggie jackson
@@user-lx5jf4vi2k "Haha, WestBRICK, get it? Man, they must think I'm so funny! Better spam the same tired ass joke under every comment so everyone knows how funny I am!"
@@euro51116 It'll move the needle a touch, and that's all Denver really needs. They were only a second round exit this year because 3 out of their 4 guards went into the playoffs injured, plus they've got a number of young players who are still growing. With this team healthy, they're contending with Boston and OKC as the best teams in the world.
@@blazefactor6849 Last year imo Denver were much better than a second round exit and could have beat Boston, but they were worse than in 2023. And they are coming back an undeniably even worse team next year. KCP and Bruce Brown are gone for nothing, and the FO is counting on their current young players to fill in what they did (again) and it wont be enough on a vet contender team. MPJ and Murray's consistency has been called into question, injuries or not. Their margin for error keeps shrinking in a west that has only gotten better, they are not clear cut above Dallas, OKC, or MIN as currently constructed.
@@bnsz8704 dario saric is playing that role in the reg season, i think the rookie would've played some but he tore his achillies, in the playoffs it'll be Dario and AG
they needed dribble penetration someone that can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim to stop team loading up on jokic the moment they start getting to the rim all that attention they had on jokic with Rudy and Cat becomes pointless it its a lay up like it also helps Murray when he has someone picking him up full court they have another player that can get down hill
people just dont understand. hes the guy you want in the dug out. he doesnt like the other team and brings that energy each game. and when you have injuries or roster issues you can spam him and get unlikely wins. dude never stops working reminds me of a chef that embraces the grind.
Lakers fans swear they would have 3-peated if not for Russ but I mean AD got injured in the playoffs in 2021, and they just sucked in 2022. Nothing could stop that.
russ was the perfect player for the nuggets. i envision him as being the guy that runs the bench, mentors a lot of the younger guards like strather and alexander into becoming solid players in their future, and slots into the 1 spot in clutch minutes, moving murray to the 2 in those moments. and just imagine how unstoppable an inverted pick n roll with brodie and jok is gonna be
Russ is a start fool. He just needs a team that fully believes in him and you will see max effort on defense and playmaking. Image russ with gordon as a lob threat and Jokic poping out for wide open 3s. Super dynamic.
I thought russ was gonna go back to be a sixth man for okc. That would've been a great story but the basketball fit is probably better in Denver. Either way, I love russ, his energy, and his game, even with all its flaws and am happy to see him on a team that can compete for a championship
OKC have to much defence and shooting, acquiring Russ would've hurt them, Cason Wallace is a more effective player then him (this coming from a hopeful Nuggets fan)
Russ is super for his age. Quick, athletic and can play as a starter and as 6th player. I am more worried about Jamal ability to stay healthy and the fact that sometimes he really dribble too much. Hopefully Russ can help correct that
This might just be the spot where Russell Westbrook thrives and Russ is the player the nuggets need to get their MOJO back. Just my gut feeling Denver is now again going back to the finals with this addition. Russ has a lot of haters but I cant seem to hate on a player that gives it his all every game.
I kind of hope they limit him during the regular season to let him put it all on the court in the playoffs fighting for a ring. A couple nights fill in for Murray but they shouldn't run him into the ground off minutes and they have a Strawther, Braun and Watson who also need to play on ball during the regular season to payoff in the playoffs. The off-season no one saw coming back in May for the Nuggets.
I gotta good feeling about this. I think he can be a jack- of-all-trades (no pun intended) with this team. He'll be the hungriest player on the court many nights.
People forget The second half of last season he started to heat up lol. Now while Being on the Nuggets and helping younger players grow, I love the move
2 of the most undervalued ( Yes, I said that about a 3 times MVP) and misunderstood players of the NBA together... 2 of the best IQs ... together.... ohhhh ... sooooo looking forward for this....,it's gonna make sparks....
I’m a clips fan. My thoughts on Russ are mostly positive, loved having him on the team. But the lows are really low, and the highs aren’t high enough to justify it anymore. His energy though is v fun and he’ll be a fan fav whereever he goes cus of it. One thing about him that especially sucks though is his fan base. Good lucking dealing with his stans denver. You’re gonna need it
Obviously they want Russ as a 6th man, anything else wouldn't make sense. I really want Russ to win a ring before retirement, but the west is only getting stronger and then you have Boston at the other side, who i have repeating btw. Denver still a Top 3 team in the west imo, but i don't know, we will see how things are playing out in January ig🤷♂️
thought Denver was the only team with a chance of beating Boston they just had a bad match up vs the timber wolves they would have beat dalles and the thunder if they managed to avoid them just like the timber wolves had 2 good match ups against teams that didn't have much rim protection the moment they played a tam with rim protection there offence fell apart
@@AR-rg2en it wont be as easy if teams stay healthy 76ers and knicks both got better and most likely they will play the thunder who are better than the dalles. so no it wont be as easy most of the good teams got better in both conferences
@@rossmcewan7204 True, I felt like Denver were far more dominant during the championship just by the eye test. Too bad they matched up with a team purpose built to stop Denver.
I think they should use him as the ball dominant leader of the second unit. And throw him in here and there with the starters, sparingly. Him being an energizer bunny for 20 minutes a game is super valuable.
I am interested in seeing a line up of Jokic, Russ, MPJ, Strawther at the 2 and Saric at the 4. There's some defensive issues with that, but it would be great spacing for Russ to operate (while 3 of the starters rest).
Y’all don’t know ball if yall can’t see this working …remember the nuggets don’t need him to be the best player on the floor they literally just need him to do what Bruce brown did in his own way …. be the “Andre Igoudola “ off the bench if you will
Bench is gonna be solid this season with Russ, Alexander, Strawther, Tyson, Pwat, DJ, Zeke, and picket. A ton of different options and possible ways to run the offense considering that Tyson Strawther and Alexander are all knockdown shooters, PWat Zeke and Russ are all athletic af and play insane defense and DJ doing DJ things bringing energy
Fast break points, energy off the bench, and one of the possible solutions against two big defenders defending jokic could be putting westbrook in dunker spot and three shooters outside the 3pt line. That way when Jokic attacks Westbrook roams on baseline and plays dunker spot against a taller defender which he can use to his advantage. I think this is a great move by Nuggets/Jokic.
Russ made very good passes last season, the things to mention is that ZUBAC and PLUMLEE hands are covered with BUTTER all season long. Jokic and Gordon are definitely best big Russ ever met after Steven Adams. Couldn't imagine how scary the P&R scheme involving them, plus adding Michael Porter (never swing the rock) Jr in the corner, absolute threat.
I keep getting more and more hyped about this move. I liked it because it was a good money saving move but then realized there was some potential good synergy. I didn't realize just how much potential is there. KCP still hurts but Bruce Brown less so now.
Nikola didn't go to the front office with this. If you listen to insiders DeAndre Jordan brokered this and the team presented it to Nikola who then agreed with the move.
That segment at about the <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="150">2:30</a> mark, uo Gordan's interview, I feel is being overlooked even by the folks commenting on this video. Jokic see's it. Russ does so much of the same shit that he does when it comes to playmaking. Those high IQ hockey assists are a thing of beauty.
@@vulcanraven9701 They literally couldn't pay Brown, and resigning Pope basically killed any and all chances of them building a semblance of a bench while also locking themselves into a long-term 22-million a year contract with a 32-year-old player. Denver couldn't afford either of them, not with what the rest of the league was willing to pay him.
Westbrook is a nice addition with his experience, athleticism and energy, I am just worried about Braun's shoot percentage, since he will be starting sg
One thing I’ve noticed with Russ is that he is very strong against zone defences with his cuts and drop-offs, especially when surrounded by good shooters
The challenge might be to have Westbrook share the ball in an optimum way, so that if he is not hot scoring, he can contribute while Murray is resting on the bench, and vice versa.
I haven't like Russ or Klay for a while but i think they're both going to be insane for their teams. I think they're both going to help these teams move better bc they can't do much wo Luka 🃏. These guys are perfect vets needed and this is what off-season moves should be
Being wanted is a great moral buster and confidence builder, which after LA hit an all time low for him. I think. Because of this reason i think he will bring his A game at least for 3/4 of the season.
I know Westbrook has had ups and downs the last few seasons but I can see him playing the Bruce Brown role for the Nuggets. High energy guy that is a swiss army knife. My only concern is come playoffs it may be difficult as teams will dare westbrook to shoot similar to how they did with Gordon this past postseason
Love this move. Was thinking Russ would be a great fit when he left the Lakers... two seasons at LA Clippers to figure out how to play with other stars in their prime... DANGEROUS.... Mix and match with him leading the 2nd group or playing the SG as a starter to give them a RIDICULOUSLY talented and athletic five with him, MPJ, AG, and Blue Arrow all on the floor simultaneously along with the All-World Joker.
Every player request is based on past reputation, they don't follow the league or other teams games because they're too busy. So they end up getting people after they could be useful. Fingers crossed Jokić is different and can predict these things, if anyone is different it's him
He will be better than the last few seasons for sure because of Jokić.To Nuggets win again,around Jokić should be players that have qualities that Jokić hasn't,so athletic,fast...
I only think people will be disappointed in Russ if they expect all star production. If people expect an energy guy who can still playmake, I dont think he'll be a disappointment.
@@6manYT I kind of agree but Russ still thinks he is 25yo and he isn't. The fact he has one of the worst jump shots in the league just makes things worse. He's a good defender but he's totally one sided on the offensive side of the ball. Everybody knows he isn't pulling up from 3 or even mid range. I just feel like OKC got a lot better, Dallas got better, Minnesota got better and Denver hasn't. If Denver fans think bringing in Russ is "replacing" KCP, it's gonna be a longgggg season.
I'm a big Russ fan, and i'll admit he has his faults. But watching nearly all of the clippers games this past season I can say that Russ is still such a game changer. Not a lot of players bring the energy he brings. He was great on defense when locked in, and albeit his offensive game has dropped quite a bit I think he can still be very effective at pushing the tempo, providing good defense, hustling, and creating plays. I think he just really needs to limit his outside shot and focus on creating shots inside. With all of his surgeries he's had to his hands, I think his shooting is just cooked but we'll see.