Russell Westbrook highlights how Nikola Jokic's infectious 'selflessness' impacts Nuggets: "No choice but to get in line"
Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic's connection only appears to grow stronger as the seasoned guard outlined the one quality of the Serbian big that impacted the Denver Nuggets in a big way. The 34-year-old was lavish in his praise of Jokic ahead of the team's season opener against the OKC Thunder on Thursday.
Westbrook called Jokic selfless and opined that the trait was consistent on the floor. Speaking to the media ahead of the marquee clash, he further added:
"His selflessness… It’s great being able to see that daily. When the best player in the world is like that everybody else don’t got no choice but to get in line…"
The former MVP was one of the major offseason acquisitions for Denver after they lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Westbrook plied his trade for the LA Clippers last season. He signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets that includes a player option for the next season.
It was also reported that Jokic was keen on having Russell Westbrook link up with him. After Jokic's flawless pick-and-roll chemistry with Jamal Murray, a mercurial ball handler in Westbrook will also help the side in the non-Murray minutes with a similar or better effect.
Russell Westbrook had earlier stated that it was an honor to play alongside Nikola Jokic
Earlier, Russell Westbrook stated that it was an honor to play alongside Nikola Jokic. The 3x NBA MVP is widely considered one of the best players in the modern-day NBA. Soon after his signing with the Nuggets, the mercurial guard was asked what it was like to team up with Jokic.
"To be on the floor with him is a grateful honor, and I'm grateful for that. He does so many different things on the floor that allows other people to be great, and I'm just happy to be a part, and not playing against him, or scouting against him, and I'm able to see his greatness up close, and see the things he's able to do."
He also added that the Jokic and the Nuggets play the "right brand of basketball", thereby making his decision to join the side a no-brainer. After a second-round exit last season at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, new-joiner Russell Westbrook and Jokic will look to push the team to another deeper playoff run and translate that into a title. But for now, much of the focus will be on the synergy between these two as they gear up for a challenging 82-game regular season.