Nikola Jokic pinpoints 1 key area where Russell Westbrook can boost Denver Nuggets' NBA championship hopes
The Denver Nuggets bolstered their second unit in a big way with the addition of Russell Westbrook this offseason. The Nuggets signed the former MVP to a two-year, $6.7 million deal in July.
Russell Westbrook is expected to help fill the void left by backup guards Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Denver's rotation. Since moving to the bench, Westbrook has seen a career resurgence as a sixth man.
Westbrook also has a lengthy reputation as one of the great transition players in the NBA, which Nikola Jokic appreciates about his new teammate. On Saturday, Nikola Jokic discussed the challenge of defending Westbrook in the open court in practice.
"I think that we are lucky that we have [Russell Westbrook] on our team. He's a guy that's been doing that for a decade or two. He's doing that on a really high level, and he can help us a lot in that category."
Jokic views facing off against a player like Westbrook in transition as an asset to help Denver's starters prepare and develop as transition defenders.
Russell Westbrook's first preseason with Nuggets
The NBA's regular season is just around the corner and the preseason is in full swing. Russell Westbrook is set to enter his 17th NBA season, suiting up for his sixth team.
Westbrook is searching for his first NBA championship and can provide valuable depth to the Nuggets' bench. On Oct. 4, the nine-time NBA All-Star made his preseason debut in Denver against the Boston Celtics.
The veteran guard notched 19 minutes of action off the bench, posting 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds in a 107-103 loss for the Nuggets in their preseason opener. Westbrook missed Denver's second preseason game, as the Nuggets suffered their second preseason loss, falling to 0-2.
Denver is just 11 days away from their regular-season opener versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook will look to provide a strong contribution to the Nuggets' second unit. Entering the season, Denver has the third-best title odds in the NBA (+750) in Westbrook's pursuit of his first championship.