Denver Nuggets’ Troubles: Is Westbrook the Solution or Another Hurdle?
The Denver Nuggets have been a team built around generational talent, with a unique roster structure tailored to the strengths of their MVP, Nikola Jokić. However, recent offseason moves have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The decision to bring in Russell Westbrook—a player known for his fiery playstyle but declining effectiveness—has many wondering if the Nuggets are squandering their golden opportunity.
The Westbrook Dilemma: A Desperate Move?
Russell Westbrook, once a triple-double machine, is now a 35-year-old veteran with significant mileage. The decision to sign him appears to stem from the need for a backup point guard to support Jamal Murray, who has faced his own share of injuries. Westbrook’s ability to push the pace and make dynamic plays was unmatched during his prime. However, as his career has progressed, his game has been marred by turnovers, questionable shot selection, and a somewhat contentious relationship with the media and fans alike.
One can’t help but draw parallels between the Nuggets’ acquisition of Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers’ own failed experiment with him. For the Lakers, it was a move made out of panic, one that quickly led to regret. As soon as they had the chance to swap Westbrook for James Harden, they jumped at the opportunity. The Nuggets, on the other hand, are playing a risky game, seemingly banking on the notion that Westbrook can contribute positively during crucial moments in the playoffs.
Offseason Decline: Denver’s Costly Misses
It’s worth noting that the Nuggets’ woes didn’t start with Westbrook. Since winning their championship, Denver has experienced a noticeable decline in their roster quality. Key role players, including Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, were let go, leaving significant gaps in their bench depth. Losing these veterans, especially during the playoffs, has left coach Michael Malone with fewer reliable options. This has forced him to rely heavily on starters like Jokić, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., leading to fatigue and subpar performances in critical moments.
The team’s General Manager, Calvin Booth, has largely blamed the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for these losses. However, Booth’s recent contract extensions and trades suggest that the Nuggets’ financial struggles are more self-inflicted than he would admit. The decision to let go of high-impact veterans and retain less impactful players has put the Nuggets in a tough spot, particularly as they aim to stay competitive in an increasingly tough Western Conference.
Drafting and Development: Building a Winning Roster?
Calvin Booth has stressed the importance of developing young talent to ensure long-term success, even at the cost of immediate championship opportunities. This “sustainable” approach is commendable, yet the implementation has been questionable. While promising young players like Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther are on the roster, they have yet to show they can consistently contribute at the NBA level.
Even veteran coach Michael Malone has shown frustration with this youth-focused strategy. Known for his win-now mentality, Malone leaned heavily on experienced players during the playoffs, leaving young talents on the bench. This has only fueled the narrative that Denver is at a crossroads: do they prioritize short-term success or long-term sustainability? The choice is a difficult one, especially with Jokić’s prime window closing as he approaches his 30s.
Michael Porter Jr.: An Asset or a Liability?
One of the more contentious issues for the Nuggets has been Michael Porter Jr. While Porter has demonstrated incredible shooting ability, his inconsistency during the playoffs has been a cause for concern. In the 2023 season, his scoring plummeted in the Finals, hitting only 14% of his three-point attempts. The following year, his scoring nosedived in a crucial series against the Timberwolves.
With a max contract holding him down, Porter’s future with the Nuggets is uncertain. His trade value remains high due to his shooting prowess and young age, but finding a team willing to take on his contract while offering the Nuggets valuable assets is challenging. However, a trade might be Denver’s only viable path toward restructuring and bolstering their roster depth.
Nikola Jokić: The Clock Is Ticking
Perhaps the most significant concern is whether the Nuggets are wasting Nikola Jokić’s prime. As one of the most talented and unique players in NBA history, Jokić deserves a roster built to maximize his abilities. Former Nuggets GM Tim Connelly, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was instrumental in creating a team that could do just that.
Connelly’s departure marked a turning point for the franchise, as the team now seems to be moving away from the strategy that led to their initial success. Jokić’s loyalty to the Nuggets has never been in question, but in today’s NBA, even the most dedicated players can find themselves reevaluating their options if they feel their time is being wasted.
The Growing Western Conference Threat
The Western Conference has only grown more competitive. The Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings have all made strategic moves to strengthen their rosters. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have largely stagnated, missing opportunities to bolster their depth and prepare for the rigors of the postseason.
If the Nuggets hope to remain in contention, they will need to make bold moves to keep up with their rivals. This might mean parting ways with key players or even altering their long-term strategy to focus on immediate success.
Conclusion: A Make-or-Break Season for Denver
The Denver Nuggets have reached a critical juncture. With an aging Westbrook on the roster, a lack of depth, and growing tension between the front office’s vision and the coaching staff’s preferences, the team’s future looks uncertain. Their best bet might be trading Michael Porter Jr. for more depth or another star to pair with Jokić. However, if the Nuggets continue to prioritize sustainability over seizing the present, they risk wasting the prime years of one of the game’s greatest talents.
The Nuggets’ journey will be one to watch as they navigate a season filled with potential and pitfalls. If they can adjust and make the necessary moves, there’s no doubt that they can reclaim their place at the top. But as it stands, the clock is ticking, and the margin for error has never been slimmer.
