Russell Westbrook expressed confidence that Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will fully utilize his skills, suggesting that his previous teams did not provide the right opportunities for him to showcase his unique abilities.
“To be honest, (my skill set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to make it unique,” Westbrook stated. “I was in a position where I was playing not my position.”
Russell Westbrook on his unique skill-set and fit in Denver vs. previous stops:
“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique, they just didn’t put me in position to be unique. I was in a position where I was playing not my position.”
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“Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed…” pic.twitter.com/jyiVM3yVlI
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) September 28, 2024
Westbrook emphasized that Malone’s coaching approach would allow him to leverage his speed and transition skills, which he believes will enhance the performance of his teammates. “Coach Malone allowing me to use my speed, use my transition skill to be able to make other guys better, makes the game easier for everyone around me, and that’s what I love to do best,” he added.
Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook’s previous team, ranked 13th in the league for transition points per game, while the Nuggets placed 23rd, according to NBA.com statistics.
Throughout his career, Westbrook, a former MVP and nine-time All-Star, has faced challenges adapting to a reduced offensive role, particularly when playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
At age 35, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, five rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals with the Clippers last season, primarily in a reserve capacity. In Denver, he is expected to serve as the main backup point guard for Jamal Murray.
Malone also believes that Westbrook will bring a new dynamic to the Nuggets’ defensive strategy.
The Nuggets are set to kick off the season at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24.
