Westbrook returns to Denver? Nuggets still have a last place in the lineup

The Denver Nuggets' offseason puzzle seems to be one last short of it. According to the latest report by Vinny Benedetto, the Nuggets team reporter, the team is seriously considering reintroducing free agent and 9th-time All-Star Russell Westbrook to fill the last valuable seat on the roster. The core consideration behind the Nuggets' move is that there is still uncertainty in the health of the main controller Jamal Murray. Although the team has Jaylen Pickett and Bruce Brown as potential candidates for Murray's substitute, the management seems to lack sufficient confidence in whether the young Pickett can be stable in the task of substitute point guard. If the coaching staff determines that the rookie point guard is difficult to take the lead, the possibility of Westbrook's return will be greatly increased.

Westbrook's just finished 2024-25 regular season performance is remarkable. He played in 75 games, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, showing his still full vitality and comprehensive skills.

However, entering the Western Conference semi-finals, the veteran's form declined significantly. His average per game data plummeted to 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists, his shooting percentage plummeted to less than 35%, and his three-point shooting percentage dropped to a dismal over 20% (21.9%). The efficiency problem was magnified in high-end games.

Although his playoff performance encountered a bottleneck, Westbrook, who is about to start his 18th season of his career, his value cannot be ignored. As an experienced court commander, his impact, rebounding and organizational skills are still reliable weapons in regular season rotations and specific tactical situations.

For the Nuggets who are determined to win the championship, signing Westbrook at a suitable price and positioning it as an important rotation and locker room leader on the bench is still a reinforcement worth considering. His passion and professional attitude can inject extra energy into the team.

Westbrook had previously chosen to jump out of the player option for the 2025-26 season and become a full free agent, which opened the door for the two sides to work together again. The Nuggets management is facing a key choice: should we bet on the growth of young players, or should we trust Westbrook, a veteran, to escort the team during the long season and fierce playoffs? The answer may be revealed soon.