Kendrick Perkins believes mercurial Russell Westbrook has been more important than Nuggets' misfiring starter
Mercurial veteran point guard Russell Westbrook has grappled with offensive inconsistency to begin his first season with the Denver Nuggets. Nevertheless, according to ESPN's Kendrick Perkins, Westbrook's consistent "swag and confidence" have made him more valuable than misfiring star point guard Jamal Murray.
Murray struggled over Denver's first five outings, averaging 16.2 points per game, shooting 37.0% and 30.4% from 3-point range as the Nuggets started 2-3.
During Friday's 119-116 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 2023 NBA champion suffered a concussion. His injury paved the way for Westbrook, Denver's highest-profile offseason addition, to slide into the starting lineup.
The Nuggets have gone 3-0 since, improving to 5-3. Meanwhile, Westbrook has come on strong, tallying 50 points on 64.0% shooting over his last two appearances against the Toronto Raptors and OKC Thunder.
Westbrook's back-to-back strong outings increased his offensive averages to 12.4 ppg on 35.8% shooting and 28.6% shooting from deep through eight contests. While the 2017 MVP still trails slightly behind Murray in offensive production, according to Perkins, his intangibles have been a difference-maker.
On Thursday's episode of ESPN's "NBA Today," Perkins highlighted Westbrook's early importance to Denver's early-season turnaround. Per the ex-14-year NBA veteran, Westbrook has been more impactful than Murray.
"He's been more important to the Denver Nuggets this season than Jamal Murray has," Perkins said. "When you think about their five wins, three of those wins, you have to look at it.
"Russell Westbrook against the (Brooklyn) Nets, 22 points off the bench. A win against Toronto, he had 21 points. ... In the starting lineup last night (against OKC), a 29-piece wing dinner, all drumsticks," he continued.
Perkins added that Westbrook has given the Nuggets a much-needed edge.
"You talk about Russell Westbrook, what he gives you. He gives you swag (and) he gives you confidence," Perkins said. "That's one thing that he doesn't lack."
Murray (concussion) is considered questionable for Friday's home matchup against the Miami Heat, so Westbrook may be in line for another starting opportunity. However, if Murray is cleared to play, Denver coach Michael Malone could tinker with his rotations to continue giving Westbrook increased playing time.
Kendrick Perkins likens Russell Westbrook's impact with Nuggets to his first season with Clippers
During his discussion about Russell Westbrook's early impact on the Nuggets, Kendrick Perkins likened it to when he joined the LA Clippers in 2023. Upon doing so, Westbrook gave LA an instant playmaking, scoring and energy boost.
Over 21 outings to close the 2022-23 season, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game, shooting 48.9% and 35.6% from 3.
"When he's able to have a role that is elevated, we saw what happened when he left the (LA) Lakers and went to the Clippers and was the starting point guard," Perkins said. "He had a new breath of fresh air. This is the same thing I'm noticing right now with the Denver Nuggets."
Westbrook still has a ways to go before matching his shooting efficiency with the Clippers. Nevertheless, the nine-time All-Star appears to be trending upward in his first campaign with his sixth team.
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