“I’ll go to war with Russell Westbrook any day,” praised Michael Malone after Russell’s historic second triple-double of the season in Denver’s win over the Utah Jazz on Monday. Westbrook followed that up with a double-double in Wednesday’s victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Since moving into the starting lineup, the veteran point guard has really stepped up. The Denver Nuggets are in an interesting spot right now.

After Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray’s injuries shook the team’s starting lineup, head coach Michael Malone leaned on Russell Westbrook as a starter. The result – a 9-2 record. But now, with Gordon and Murray nearing a return, Malone faces a tough call. What to do with Russell Westbrook? Stick with this new winning formula with him running the show or revert to his original lineup?

Westbrook has been nothing short of a game-changer since stepping into the starting role. Over his 10 starts, he’s averaged 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting 56.2% from the field. He’s been holding things together, filling in wherever the team needs him. Moreover, his chemistry with Nikola Jokić has elevated the Nuggets’ offense, making it one of the most dynamic in the league.

As such, for Lou Williams, the choice is clear: stick with what’s working. “I’m saying they’d be crazy to not keep him in the starting lineup. He’s giving them a lot of energy, giving them a lot of good basketball. … If that’s a recipe that’s working for them, I wouldn’t mess with that. I don’t care who’s come back,” he said on Run It Back. 

Chandler Parsons echoed a similar sentiment, acknowledging the complexity of the situation, and emphasizing the value Westbrook brings to the team in any role. He pointed out that the idea of moving the ‘Beastbrook’ to the bench isn’t without merit, as it could provide the second unit with much-needed energy and leadership.

However, Parsons also praised Westbrook’s resilience, noting how impressive it is for a player of his stature to adapt to various roles throughout his career—whether as a starter, a bench contributor, or even during stretches of limited playing time. “

It’s tough to be his age, to be his type of star, and to now just adjust to all these different roles that have been thrown at him … at this point of his career. And to just see him thriving is awesome! … You can cut a plug and play Russell Westbrook, really, 1 through 5,” he emphasized.

Parsons’ observations highlight the broader dilemma facing the Nuggets—balancing the immediate success Westbrook has brought to the starting lineup with the long-term dynamics of reintegrating key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

A Russell Westbrook balancing act for Michael Malone

While the idea of moving Russ to the bench has its strategic advantages, the Nuggets’ recent success with him as a starter has sparked a different conversation. Since his promotion to the starting lineup, Westbrook has not only filled the gaps left by injuries but also emerged as a crucial piece of Denver’s success.

However, the Nuggets also face a depth issue. The return of Gordon and Murray offers an opportunity to bolster the bench with fresh talent, possibly creating a more balanced rotation. Malone must weigh the risks of shaking up a winning formula against the long-term benefits of finding the right mix for a playoff run.

The challenge, as noted, lies in balancing short-term success with long-term stability, all while ensuring the team’s chemistry remains intact. As Parsons succinctly put it, “When you’re 9-2 with him in the starting lineup, I’m not changing a thing! … I would figure out how to get more production from one of these younger guys off the bench to be that spark, not Russell Westbrook.”

Ultimately, the decision rests with Malone, whose ability to navigate this delicate situation could define the Nuggets’ season—and their quest for another championship.