We imagined him staying with the Clippers but Russell Westbrook is having a hard time staying in his native Los Angeles, and once again, he was transferred to the Jazz. And once again, he didn't stay there. This time he took over the Nuggets where Nikola Jokic and Mike Malone wanted him. On the one hand, an MVP and a coach who want to regain the lost title. On the other, a former MVP still looking for his first ring.
“Seen from the outside, there is already this identity… The team is always looking for a title and they do it in style. At this stage of my career, I want to play this type of basketball” explains Westbrook. “It allows everyone to get involved and I’m grateful to be here.” I'm a team player, and I'll do whatever the coach asks me to do. We want to take the season from the right end, and if at the end there is an NBA title, I will be grateful. »
Usually whistled when he comes to Denver, Westbrook is ready to make peace with the public. “It was like with Kobe… When people whistle, I take it as a sign of respect. It’s when the public doesn’t say anything that we need to worry…”
Energy still overflowing
Now wearing the number 4 (“his favorite number”), the former Thunder and Rockets leader warns that he has not changed, and that he is not ready to change! “I will never change. I will not change who I am. When I'm competing, I don't want to be walking around, kissing babies, things like that. I'm here to kick some ass. When I'm not on the field, I'm more relaxed than you think, but when I'm on the field, I'm there to win. »
A competitive spirit that really impressed his new teammates, but also his coach. “I have a lot of respect for all of his work. The only thing he hasn't accomplished is win an NBA title… Russ was in the room yesterday, and there was a different energy. I can't explain it…”. Same story with DeAndre Jordan: “It’s his intensity, his demeanor… Russ brings a different identity and mindset to the team, a different energy.”
