The Denver Nuggets’ move for Russell Westbrook has been receiving positive feedback from the NBA community. The player’s trade from the LA Clippers to the Utah Jazz allows the Nuggets to secure the services of the point guard once he signs waivers with the Jazz. Previously, it was Zach Lowe who predicted the potential benefits of Westbrook‘s chaotic play, making the Nuggets’ bench strength more robust. As the buzz took over the whole league, it reached the FS1 show, where the panel, including Skip Bayless, Keyshawn Johnson, and Paul Pierce, expressed their opinions, drawing the likeliness of Russ’ entry in the Nuggets with one of the revolutionary trades that ensured LA Lakers their previous championship.

Appearing on the show ‘Undisputed,’ ex-Clippers star and NBA legend Paul Pierce shed light on the significance of the Nuggets’ Westbrook move as he compared it to Jason Kidd playing for Dallas in their 2011 championship run. In those finals, Kidd rose to the occasion and defended legends like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, securing the first-ever NBA title for his team. Similarly, Westbrook was compared to the 2x NBA Champion point guard, Rajon Rondo, as Pierce discussed how the 6’1″ player grew up as a decent shooter during his championship run. “Same thing with Rondo on the Lakers reminded me of that move when they won in 2020,” he added.

Notably, Rondo was one of the top point guards during his stint with the NBA, earning him four All-Defensive selections. His three-point percentage grew by 5% after he left the Lakers having won the championship. The Nuggets are also yearning for another championship after their 2023 run, as they missed the chance last season.

After getting omitted from the title run last season, the offensive lead of the team, Jamal Murray himself, said that he “could’ve done better.” Even PP addressed the issue that Murray is loaded with responsibilities of playmaking and scoring. Pierce proposed where he would like Westbrook to play.

Should Russell Westbrook get a place in the starters?

As per Zach Lowe of ESPN, Westbrook could become the face of the bench of the Nuggets. However, Paul Pierce has different expectations from the point guard as he expects the Nuggets to give Russ a place in the “starters.” What the ex-NBA star proposed was that Jamal Murray could let go of his baggage next season as Westbrook and Jokic would create plays from one end while he would score the hoops from another end, enabling their elite offense to run better.

Also, Paul Pierce inferred the sense of leadership that he gets from Westbrook. Considering the immense experience of the 9x NBA All-Star, he would be a great force to dive into the moments of the heat. Ultimately, as per the former Clippers’ play, Westbrook will awaken the lost hopes of the Joker squad ahead of the next season.

Though it is a risky signing, it is speculated that Westbrook might be able to deliver, as per the expectations. As long as Nikola Jokic delivers his MVP-level plays, Russ will be an asset. What are your thoughts on this move from the Nuggets? Can it revive the Joker squad like the Rondo move did to the Lakers in 2020? Let us know in the comments.