Every season is different. At least that’s what coaches and players say. So, while the Denver Nuggets’ continuity has been their x-factor in the past, it’s not at the root of their success this season.
Russell Westbrook’s Resurrection A Gift & Curse For Nuggets
Three-time NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic, is certainly at the center of Denver’s gameplan. A massive man with buttery soft touch and eyes in the back of his head, many consider him to be the best player in the league today. Taking over as the face of the Nuggets franchise in 2017, he’s not only their top talent but head coach Michael Malone’s ace in the hole.
There’s just one problem.
He’s no longer the only walking triple-double in Denver’s starting lineup.
A Rotation Conundrum
Though Russell Westbrook‘s resurrection has been magnificent to watch, the Nuggets are just a bit too good with him in the first unit. In fact, they’re 13-4 when the former MVP starts versus 10-11 when he comes off the bench. As a result, Denver probably feels obligated to keep him in that role.
The numbers speak for themselves but Westbrook’s energy, experience, and explosiveness have also made him a great complement for Jokic. Not only in terms of intangibles and physical tools but how they can play off of one another.
HE’S GOING TO BRING THAT ENERGY
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— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 11, 2025
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The thing is, Jamal Murray is likely to continue starting unless Michael Malone decides to pull a Mike Budenholzer and bring him off the bench. This is possible in part because Westbrook has taken pride in being a plus defender this season. However, as a natural jump shooter, Murray also complements Westbrook’s at the offensive end.
Thus, the black sheep in this iteration of the Nuggets’ starting five appears to be Aaron Gordon, who came off the bench upon returning from his Christmas Day calf strain.
As a low usage, defensive-minded wing who’s primarily an off-ball threat, Christian Braun is fine. As Denver’s top catch-and-shoot option, Michael Porter Jr.‘s spot is safe. Meanwhile, Gordon shares Westbrook’s weakness, which is that he’s unreliable beyond the arc. This season, the 29-year-old is shooting a career-high 44.0 percent from three but his career three-point percentage (.325) tells the real tale.
If Gordon hadn’t become the Nuggets’ most important defender since his arrival, this wouldn’t be an issue.
The Last Word On Starting Russell Westbrook
Westbrook’s rise has led to a complication.
If they want to maximize their defense, starting both he and Gordon would probably be best. Yet, that would make Porter the odd man out, as he’s the least impactful defender in their frontcourt rotation. Unfortunately for them, if Porter comes off the bench, they could run into issues with spacing, along with the actual act of taking and making threes.
They could start Porter over Braun to try to get the best balance of offense and defense. In this scenario though, Gordon would likely need to play a role more similar to Braun’s. As previously mentioned, Gordon can operate as a 3-and-D wing. However, it’s not how the three-time Slam Dunk champion is optimally used.
Eventually, they’ll figure out the best course of action. Nonetheless, Westbrook’s unexpected dominance is now a gift and a curse for the Nuggets.
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