"Reminds me of Russ lowkey" - Houston Rockets veteran compares Dillon Brooks' personality to Russell Westbrook
Dillon Brooks and Russell Westbrook might have a lot more in common than people think.
In an appearance on "The Morning Shift" podcast, veteran center Steven Adams talked about what it was like playing with Brooks from 2021 to 2023 when both of them played for the Memphis Grizzlies. The Canadian swingman is one of the most polarizing players in the league, but the Kiwi big man is cool with him and even compared him to the former MVP.
"He's cool, bro. He's cool, super nice guy off the court. It reminds me of Russ lowkey where it's like everyone takes their on-court persona and thinks that’s how they are all the time and it’s not. It's literally like a switch... He's a type of player that you want on your side and you don't really want to go against it," Adams said.
Adams was traded to the Houston Rockets in February, reuniting him with Brooks. However, he has not suited up for the Rockets since he's still recovering from knee surgery.
Prior to all of this, Adams and Westbrook were teammates in Oklahoma from 2013 to 2019. The 31-year-old big man had his best years on the court with Westbrook as the main superstar of OKC.
If anyone has an insight on both Brooks and Westbrook, it's got to be Adams. It's not surprising to know that both of them have a different demeanor off the court. The Canadian players have nothing but praise for the Oregon product, while NBA players seem to love Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook to play for the Denver Nuggets next season
Russell Westbrook will suit up for the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming season. The LA Clippers traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn and a future second-round draft pick. It was the former MVP's second "stint" with the Jazz in 18 months. He was first traded to the team on February 9, 2023 before reaching a contract buyout agreement 11 days later.
The second time that Westbrook and the Jazz got involved was on July 18, 2024 when he was traded by the Clippers. Utah waived him two days later, which allowed Westbrook to sign a two-year $6.8 million contract with the Nuggets. He's unlikely to start for the 2023 NBA Champions, although he should increase their pace whenever he's on the court.
Westbrook also helps improve Denver's depth, which has been an issue for them since Bruce Brown Jr. left in free agency. They managed to maintain their competitiveness throughout the season, but fell short to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.
If things click for Westbrook in Denver, there's a chance for him to become one of the favorites to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. He has had no trouble sacrificing his minutes for the LA Lakers and LA Clippers, so it's likely not going to be a problem with the Nuggets.