Nikola Jokic spoke about his teammate Russell Westbrook on TV recently, and honestly, it’s the kind of praise that will make you blush. The MVP didn’t hold back on his love for Westbrook and how he’s been misunderstood by past teams and critics. And honestly, he might be right.

Westbrook has had his ups and downs. From the Lakers, Rockets, and Wizards to the constant criticism of his game, people have focused on what he can’t do instead of what he can. However, Jokic? He’s not buying into the noise. “He always plays,” Jokic said. “I mean, he’s a great player. I think people and teams that he has passed misunderstand him and didn’t give him the opportunity to be who he is.” Ouch, but also, so true.

What Nikola Jokic sees that others miss

The Denver Nuggets have done more than just benefit with the Jokic-Westbrook pairing. They’ve been reveling in the magic the duo conjures! While the talk around Westbrook seems to focus solely on the negative, including shooting, his turnovers, and his ball dominance, this pairing works magic. Their chemistry? Unquestionable.

“I just love the connection. I just need to look at him, and I think he knows—exactly knows—what I’m thinking,” Nikola Jokic gushed. That kind of unspoken bond is rare, and it’s part of what makes the Nuggets tick. Consequently, Westbrook’s relentless pace complements the Nuggets star player’s cerebral playmaking, creating a dynamic that’s keeping Denver firmly in playoff contention.

Even Shaquille O’Neal was talking highly when he was asking Westbrook how it felt like to play with a big man who is on the lookout for him, no matter the situation. Moreover, the admiration that Westbrook is getting in Denver, despite not being the best team player, says a lot about the man.

Why Russell Westbrook in Denver just work?

Let’s talk about why this pairing has been so successful. For starters, Westbrook isn’t trying to take over every possession. Instead, he’s embraced his role as both a facilitator and an off-ball threat.

And then there’s the defense. Yes, defense. Nuggets coach Michael Malone has leaned on Westbrook’s defensive ability, putting him on opposing teams’ best players late in games. As a result, Westbrook has earned multiple Defensive Player of the Game awards and proven he’s far from a liability on that end of the floor.

The Denver Nuggets currently hold a record of 27 wins and 16 losses and occupy the fourth position in the Western Conference, with the added perk of being 17-5 with Westbrook on the starting roster. Thanks to the immense energy and leadership that has been brought to the team, the Jokic-Westbrook duo is proving to be unstoppable. Their most recent performance against the Utah Jazz proves this point, having cruised to victory alongside accomplishing a triple-double.

For Nikola Jokic, having Westbrook around means more than just wins. It’s about trust, respect, and the chance to silence the doubters. “He’s a great player for us,” Jokic said. “I think he’s gonna bring us all the good stuff.”

On the journey Westbrook has been on with the Denver Nuggets, he has proven to be a star on his own. However, he is profoundly misunderstood by many. We are fortunate enough to accompany him through this transition and see him get the attention he has long deserved. Furthermore, he had the potential to be an irreplaceable teammate, unlike in his previous environments. Following Westbrook’s lead, Jokic is enhancing his play while Denver tends to be only steps away from yet another title run.