Russell Westbrook is known for getting into heated exchanges when going head-to-head with other players and his own teammates. He often seeks confrontation in otherwise calm or fun situations. Remember when he shoved John Wall at the 2017 All-Star game for no apparent reason? Or when he goal-tended a mascot’s half-court shot, turning a light-hearted moment into something else entirely? Then there was the time he had a big beef with his former teammate Reggie Jackson when they both played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

So, with Russell heading to the Denver Nuggets, you have to wonder—will it work out? Will he find a way to channel that intensity, or will it only add fuel to the fire? Well, media personality Olivia Moody seems pretty sure it’ll be a good fit. “Russell Westbrook hasn’t been on a team with Nikola Jokic yet. Nikola Jokic is notorious for elevating players that are around him. If you’re on the court with Nikola Jokic, you will look like a better basketball player,” Moody said. But fans weren’t having it. They slammed her bold take, saying they could already see Jokić and Westbrook butting heads in the future.

One fan wrote, “you lucky you fine because these takes delusional russ and his fans gonna be beefing wth Jokic by game 5.” Remember when Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, and Murray got into it back when Russ played for OKC? It’s hard to forget when Westbrook, Jokić, and Murray had that heated exchange back when Russ was with OKC. Sure, they were on opposing teams then, but knowing Westbrook’s fiery nature, it’s not far-fetched to think tensions could flare up again.

Given his intense character, there’s definitely a chance that this fan’s prediction could come true. The potential for beef looks real, and it’s got some people already bracing for the drama. Let’s dive into more reactions.

Why fans slammed Moody’s take on Westbrook and Jokic

“He gone elevate someone who can’t shoot? Westbrook can’t play off ball,” one fan said. Jokić can set up teammates and make them look good when he’s got the ball, but what about his off-ball game? Even though it’s decent, is it really enough to elevate players who struggle with shooting? If Westbrook can’t handle playing off-ball, it might hold back how much Jokić can elevate his game. The fan’s worry is spot on, showing that while Jokić’s skills are top-notch, there are still questions about how well he and Westbrook will click.

Another fan said, “So LeBron James has never elevated players huh? Westbrook has played with some of the greatest players of all time some better than Jokic yet you think Joker is going to do what others couldn’t? Good luck.” It’s a fair point. Even though Jokić is one of the top players in the league right now, Westbrook has played with legends like LeBron James. But even LeBron couldn’t get Westbrook’s game back to its peak. Remember, LeBron led the Cavs to a championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors with just Kyrie Irving by his side. So, while Jokić is amazing, there’s no guarantee he’ll have the impact that some are hoping for.

A fan tacitly supported the take. “You can only elevate a person who listens. Russell was on the decline on the Lakers but he wanted to be the man and lead. Now that he’s realized he has to change his game (thank you Clippers) your point is right. But coming straight from OKC, hell no it would not work. Let’s see!?” As we’ve seen, Westbrook isn’t exactly known for just going with the flow. Sure, he had success in his earlier years, but think back to his Lakers stint—he tried to take the lead even when he wasn’t playing his best. If Westbrook rolls into the Nuggets with that same mentality, the chance of beef with Jokić could be massive, just like one fan predicted.

Even though a lot of fans were hyped about this idea possibly working out, most are seriously skeptical and have major doubts. What’s your take on this?