"It feels like great brotherhood"- Russell Westbrook on how Nuggets culture is different from the other teams he's played for
Russell Westbrook is set to play for his sixth team, the Denver Nuggets, this season, and although training camps have just started, he’s already speaking highly of the team’s culture and camaraderie.
Westbrook found his way to the Nuggets after being traded from the LA Clippers to the Utah Jazz.
Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi, Westbrook noted that while every team has its own culture, what stands out about the Nuggets is the strong sense of brotherhood within the organization.
“I think they're different in all types of ways, every place is a little bit different, but the culture and guys here, to me, it feels like a great brotherhood, a close, tight-knit group,” Russell Westbrook said.
“Obviously, they've been there together for some time, won a championship together, so you can feel that and you can sense it and I'm grateful to be a part of an amazing journey.”
Westbrook addresses the Nuggets’ need for depth at point guard and offers valuable support for Jamal Murray.
Last season, Reggie Jackson and Collin Gillespie were Murray’s backups, but Jackson has since joined Philadelphia, and Gillespie has gone to Phoenix.
Murray’s injury history is a cause for concern for Nuggets fans, as he played only 59 regular-season games last season and was visibly unhealthy during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Westbrook appeared in 68 regular-season games last season and averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Michael Malone says Russell Westbrook brings fresh energy to the Nuggets
During media day, Nuggets coach Malone highlighted Westbrook’s immediate impact on the team, saying he brought a new energy to practices with his vocal leadership and intensity.
“Russ was in the gym yesterday, and there was just a different energy,” Malone said.
“I can’t explain it, but it's just that his voice, leadership, intensity, and competitive spirit are all things that will not only help this team but the individual players achieve their potential and push them to be the best they can be."
The coach also praised Westbrook’s career, noting that the only thing missing from his resume is a championship.
“First and foremost, I just have so much respect for his body of work. The only thing that he hasn't accomplished is winning an NBA championship. That's the only thing missing from a very impressive resume,” Malone said.
Russell Westbrook is expected to be a key reserve and may step in as a spot starter as the Nuggets aim to reclaim the championship they won in 2023.