Photo: Russell Westbrook all smiles off-court in Abu Dhabi ahead of preseason skirmish
After the Denver Nuggets' media day on Thursday, Russell Westbrook and company are ready to start preseason in a big way as they have traveled to Abu Dhabi for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024. The Nuggets will clash against the Boston Celtics to start the preseason on Oct. 4.
Westbrook made the most out of the opportunity and smiled in front of the camera as he rode a camel around the desert.
"We outside 🐫," the Nuggets captioned.
After spending the last two campaigns with the LA Clippers, Russell Westbrook is ready to start the new chapter of his career with another championship contender. After winning the title in 2023 and dethroned in the Western Conference semifinals last season, they added the 2017 MVP to strengthen their backcourt to have a better chance of reclaiming it.
The Nuggets and Celtics will clash twice in Abu Dhabi (Oct. 4 and Oct. 6). The games will tip off at 12 noon ET and 10 a.m. ET respectively. Both teams are entering the season as favorites to win the title and they could even clash in the 2025 NBA Finals if everything goes well for them.
Denver looked like the strongest candidate to face Boston in last season's finals before the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated them. The Celtics went on to win the championship after beating the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks.
Michael Malone noted Russell Westbrook brought 'different energy' to the Nuggets
Russell Westbrook is already making an impact on the Nuggets. Coach Michael Malone talked about what he sensed from the star point guard when he saw him at the gym.
"Russ was in the gym yesterday and there was just a different energy," Malone said during media day. "Can't explain it. But it's just his voice, his leadership, his intensity, his competitive spirit."
Ever since he left the OKC Thunder in 2019, Westbrook has tried to find his place in the league. After stints with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, LA Lakers and LA Clippers, he will now try to help the Nuggets get their second championship and his elusive first ring.
During his time with the Clippers, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, primarily coming off the bench. It'll be interesting to see how Westbrook meshes with his new teammates and what he'll bring to the table for the Nuggets.