19 Minutes, 6 Three-Point Attempts! Westbrook Has Changed: Nuggets’ Championship-Level Signing

The NBA preseason is underway, and one of the most exciting developments comes from Denver, where Russell Westbrook made his debut for the Nuggets. Known for his explosive athleticism and aggressive drives to the basket, Westbrook showcased something different this time around—his newfound shooting touch from beyond the arc. In just 19 minutes off the bench, he attempted six three-pointers, making three of them, a clear sign that the veteran guard may have evolved his game in an important way. Westbrook’s performance left fans wondering: has he really changed?

The Transformation of Russell Westbrook

Westbrook’s three-point shooting has long been a topic of criticism throughout his career. His relentless energy and high-octane playstyle have earned him a place among the NBA’s elite, but his inconsistent shooting has been a flaw that opposing defenses have often exploited. In recent years, teams have dared him to shoot from distance, sagging off and clogging the lane to neutralize his drives.

However, this preseason debut suggests that Westbrook has put in significant work over the summer to improve his shooting mechanics. Observers noted a smoother, more fluid release, and the results spoke for themselves. With three three-pointers in six attempts, Westbrook’s shooting percentage from deep was 50%, a notable improvement from his career average of 30.5%. While it’s still early in the season, the evidence from this game suggests that Westbrook has taken his offseason training seriously.

There’s no doubt that a consistent outside shot would make Westbrook a much more dangerous and well-rounded offensive player. If defenses can no longer afford to leave him wide open on the perimeter, it opens up the floor for his signature drives to the basket, making him an even more lethal weapon. His ability to stretch the floor would also provide more room for the Nuggets’ star players, particularly Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, to operate.

A Perfect Fit for Denver

The Denver Nuggets made a savvy move by signing Westbrook to a two-year, $6.8 million contract this summer. This deal may turn out to be one of the best-value signings of the offseason, especially considering Westbrook’s potential to revitalize his career and contribute to a championship-contending team. The Nuggets, already the defending NBA champions, were looking to bolster their depth, and Westbrook’s ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense is exactly what they needed.

Westbrook’s performance in his preseason debut shows why the Nuggets were so keen on acquiring him. In just 19 minutes of action, he scored 12 points, dished out 8 assists, grabbed 4 rebounds, and had only 2 turnovers. His impact went beyond the stat sheet, though, as he energized the team’s second unit and brought a level of intensity that could be crucial over the course of a long NBA season.

One of the biggest concerns for teams aiming to repeat as champions is their depth. While Denver’s starting lineup, led by Jokić and Murray, is among the best in the league, the gap between their starters and bench players was noticeable last season. With Westbrook on board, that gap has been significantly reduced. His experience, leadership, and scoring ability make him an ideal sixth man for the Nuggets. Unlike some other high-profile bench players who need the ball to be effective, Westbrook has proven that he can be a facilitator as well as a scorer.

What sets Westbrook apart from other scoring guards is his ability to create for his teammates. In this preseason game, he recorded 8 assists in just 19 minutes, demonstrating his willingness to get others involved. His basketball IQ and court vision remain as sharp as ever, and his presence allows Denver’s bench to play at a faster pace without sacrificing efficiency.

A New Chapter for Westbrook

For Westbrook, this opportunity with the Nuggets represents a new chapter in his illustrious career. After years of being the focal point of his teams, including stints with the Thunder, Rockets, and Lakers, Westbrook now finds himself in a more complementary role. It’s a role he seems to be embracing fully, understanding that his chances of winning an NBA championship may be tied to his ability to adapt and thrive as a role player on a contending team.

At 35 years old, Westbrook is no longer the explosive player he was in his prime, but he remains an elite athlete with the capacity to change games in an instant. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the Nuggets as they navigate the grind of the regular season and prepare for another deep playoff run. Westbrook’s hunger for a title is evident, and he seems to understand that this may be his best—and perhaps last—chance to add that elusive championship to his resume.

Westbrook’s decision to sign with Denver was a mutual win for both sides. For the Nuggets, they get a former MVP and nine-time All-Star at a bargain price, someone who can provide leadership, scoring, and playmaking off the bench. For Westbrook, this is a chance to prove his critics wrong and show that he still has plenty left in the tank. And if he can consistently knock down three-pointers like he did in his preseason debut, the rest of the NBA should be on notice.

Preseason Success, But Concerns for Murray

While Westbrook’s strong debut was the main headline for the Nuggets, it wasn’t all good news for Denver fans. Jamal Murray, who recently signed a four-year, $208 million max contract extension with the Nuggets, struggled mightily in the preseason opener. Murray went just 1-for-4 from the field, including 1-for-3 from three-point range, continuing the shooting slump that plagued him during his summer stint with Team Canada at the FIBA World Cup.

Murray’s performance in the preseason game was concerning, given that the Nuggets will rely heavily on him to be their second scoring option behind Jokić. His shooting struggles were evident throughout the offseason, and they seem to have carried over into the early stages of the NBA season. Murray is coming off a relatively successful postseason in 2023, where he averaged 23.6 points per game, but those numbers were a significant drop from his playoff performance in 2022, where he torched the Lakers with a 32.5-point average in their playoff series.

For the Nuggets to contend for back-to-back championships, they need Murray to return to his elite form. If his shooting issues persist into the regular season, it could create problems for Denver’s offense, which relies on Murray’s ability to stretch the floor and score at a high volume. Denver’s success will largely depend on whether Murray can recapture the level of play that earned him his max contract, and his performance will be a key factor in determining the team’s championship prospects.

Looking Ahead to the Regular Season

The preseason serves as a time for teams to experiment with lineups, integrate new players, and shake off the rust, so it’s important not to overreact to any one game. However, there were plenty of encouraging signs for the Nuggets in their preseason opener, particularly with how Westbrook seamlessly fit into their system.

Westbrook’s ability to contribute in multiple ways—whether through scoring, assisting, or rebounding—will be a huge asset for Denver as they look to defend their title. His energy and leadership off the bench will be vital in keeping the team focused and competitive throughout the long season.

Meanwhile, the concerns surrounding Jamal Murray’s shooting will likely persist until he shows he can break out of his slump. The Nuggets will need him at his best if they hope to navigate the ultra-competitive Western Conference, which includes powerhouses like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Nuggets are positioned as one of the favorites to win the title again. With Nikola Jokić still performing at an MVP level and a deep supporting cast that now includes Westbrook, Denver has all the tools necessary to make another deep postseason run. Westbrook’s preseason debut was just the beginning, but if he continues to show improvement in his shooting and remains a steady presence off the bench, this could be a championship-level signing that pays off in a big way for the Nuggets.

In a league where the margins between contenders are razor-thin, every small improvement counts. And if Westbrook’s transformation into a reliable shooter is real, the Nuggets may have just made one of the most impactful signings of the offseason.