“He Goes Out, Works Hard, And Leads by Example.” Russell Westbrook hasn’t even played his first game for the Denver Nuggets yet, and he is already receiving praise from his new teammates like Jamal Murray. After all, the 35-year-old has been in the NBA for almost half his life, having earned numerous All-Star and All-NBA Team honors along the way. Having spent his tenure with five different franchises, however, Westbrook has openly shared his dissatisfaction with some to whom he devoted a considerable amount of time. Fortunately, the player feels that his journey with the Nuggets may be different.

After concluding the training camp, the Nuggets are set to play their first pre-season game soon. Therefore, Russell Westbrook was more than happy to engage in a Q&A session prior to facing the Boston Celtics. When asked about how the culture with Nikola Jokic & Co. would be different when compared with his previous franchises, he stated “I think the different, all types of ways and places will be different, but the culture and passers. To me, it more feels like a brotherhood, a tight-knit group. Obviously, they have been together since a long time and won the championship together, so you can feel that.”

He concluded his remarks by adding, “I’m greatful to be a part of an amazing journey.” This comes just a few days after he took a dig at both the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers.

The player served as point guard for LeBron James & Co. from 2021 onwards. If fans had hoped that his presence would improve things, it didn’t. Instead, the franchise ended up securing a 33-49 record during the season, preventing them from even making it to the play-ins. In the aftermath of that, reports started to come in that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis had “encouraged the Lakers’ front office to go all-in for Westbrook” in regards to a trade. Eventually, Russ was traded to the Clippers.

However, the 2023-24 season saw issues in regards to him being able to adjust. His averages reached an all-time low of 11.1 points and 4.5 assists, since he ended up shooting only 4.4-9.8 field goals, 0.6-2.3 three-pointers, and 1.6-2.4 free throws. With the last few years being a dark mark in his career, Westbrook knew just where to place the blame.

“To be honest, (my skill-set) was unique; they just didn’t put me in a position to be unique,” said the 35-year-old when discussing the Lakers and the Clippers. “I was in a position where I was playing, not my position.”

Being the franchise that secured the championship title only back in 2023, the Nuggets already have an impressive lineup consisting of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, etc on its side. Therefore, it won’t be entirely on Westbrook to handle the offensive pressure. However, even in the midst of this new environment, one particular competition may not end up resting so soon.

Russell Westbrook looks to prioritize winning over triple-double race with Nikola Jokic

There wasn’t much in common between Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic when they first arrived in the NBA. They played for different teams, different positions, and originated from different places. Over the years, however, the duo created a rep of being formidable scorers and passers, securing more triple-doubles than any of their teammates or rivals.

Westbrook currently stands as the all-time leader in triple doubles with over 199. Nikola Jokic holds the 4 rank with his 130. With No 2 and No 3 on the list (Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson) being former players, Jokic stands as the major competition for Westbrook for the throne. However, now serving on the same team, Westbrook has chosen to put the ‘competition’ to the side.

“No, we have not had a conversation about it (Competing for triple-doubles). I don’t know if there’s a race or not but we have not talked about it at all. Nikola is the best player in the world and he’s playing at the highest level and all we care about is winning basketball games and that’s it.”

Even if there is a so called ‘triple-double race’ or not, Nikola Jokic is more than happy to welcome the new player to the team. In fact, as reported by Harrison Wind of the DNVR back in July, “Jokic has actually been pushing behind the scenes to get Westbrook to Denver. I’ve been told that Nikola Jokic wants Westbrook in Denver, he wants to play with him. It’s not the first time he has wanted to play with him.”

With the dream fulfilled, any individual goals may be put aside to claim the one thing that Westbrook has been wanting for a long time now: the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.