Despite the Denver Nuggets being fourth in the Western Conference, they have shown signs of life recently. Even after starter Aaron Gordon went down with a calf injury, they have been able to play well, thanks to his replacement in the starting lineup.
Since his injury, the Nuggets have been playing guard Russell Westbrook in his place, and the results have been impressive. Westbrook has started 14 games overall this season, and the Nuggets are an impressive 10-4 in those games with him playing a big role in that success.
He's put up solid numbers, averaging 13 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists with a strong 59.9% true shooting. Even at age 36, his defense has been better than advertised. In their recent back-to-back games against the San Antonio Spurs, Westbrook was often switched on to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, and instead of being scored on, he often got the better of the matchup.
He relentlessly swiped at Wembanyama's dribble and helped to force several of his 11 turnovers in those two games. He also has shown terrific chemistry with Nikola Jokic, giving him another weapon who can finish at the rim. Not only that, but Denver tends to play faster with Westbrook on the court, with him often trying to attack in transition or knife his way into the paint in the half-court.
Russell Westbrook has been the perfect addition for the Denver Nuggets.
For a player who was seen as an awkward fit when he initially signed for the veterans minimum, Westbrook has worked out quite well for Denver and given them a terrific rotation player who can play in multiple spots.
Westbrook's versatility has been highly useful since he can create for himself and his teammates and help crash the glass. He can also more than hold his own on the defensive end, even guarding much bigger players, all of which makes him valuable to a team that isn't particularly deep.
With Gordon soon set to return, the Nuggets will likely bring Westbrook off the bench again. Fortunately, they now know that he can effectively fill in as a starter. If anything, it could lead to an increase in minutes, including closing more games with him, proving that he is a crucial part of the team.
Even with Westbrook exceeding expectations, the Nuggets should still look to the trade market for improvement. They don't have many trade assets, but if they are able to get creative, then they could have enough depth around Jokic to make another deep playoff run.