There was at least one member of the Nuggets who wasn’t tuned into the end of the Clippers and Warriors game Sunday.
While most of the team was tuned into the Clippers’ overtime win that set up a first-round matchup that starts Saturday afternoon in Denver, Russell Westbrook had other plans.
“I was on the way to New York for the draft, so it wasn’t even the top of my mind,” Westbrook said after Wednesday’s practice at Ball Arena.
The WNBA draft was held Monday in Manhattan. Westbrook made the trip to support Georgia Amoore, the sixth overall pick by the Washington Mystics who was styled by Westbrook’s Honor the Gift clothing line. She wore a tailored leather jacket and skirt combination, while Westbrook sported the line’s new “Honor women” shirt.
“I really enjoyed it,” Westbrook said. “I think women’s sports and women in general have an unbelievable way of impacting our society, our world. I was blessed enough to be able to do that, incredibly, with my brand. I have an unbelievable talent with Georgia herself that allowed me to do so, so I was grateful for that opportunity. I had a hell of a time.”
Preparing to face his former team, the Clippers, became the priority once Westbrook returned to Denver ahead of Wednesday’s first formal practice ahead of the postseason. Westbrook played in 89 games for the Clippers over the last two seasons. Then, he was traded to Utah for Kris Dunn, a defensive stalwart who figures to play a big role against Denver. The Jazz later waived Westbrook, clearing the way for him to sign with the Nuggets as a free agent.
While Westbrook declined to make the matchup about anything more than any other playoff opponent, outside of the return home, interim coach David Adelman understands it’s not that simple.
“Everything is emotional in this league. You can’t tell me if you play a team you used to play for, that you’re not going to have a little bit extra. That’s OK, but use it in the right way, use it in a positive manner,” Adelman said.
“I’m excited for Russ to have the opportunity. More importantly, Russ is with us. He’s with us now.”
Westbrook’s ample energy has been a big discussion point in the days since the Nuggets fired Michael Malone. There were reports Westbrook was having a negative impact on the locker room. Team president Josh Kroenke didn’t sense any of that as he weighed the decision in recent weeks. Kroenke compared building a roster to creating a dish, and he believes Westbrook brings the kind of kick the team has lacked.
“Russ was a very spicy ingredient for us to add, and we needed it. I thought we needed some spice this year,” Kroenke said Monday. “He’s one of the most competitive people and players out there, and I think as long as we’re channeling that in the right direction, Russ’ heart is 100% always in the right place.”
In the three games since Adelman took over, Westbrook has been used as one of the team’s key reserves. After a rough, 2-for-11 shooting performance in Adelman’s first game, Westbrook scored 14 and 17 points, respectively, in Denver’s final two games of the regular season. Now, it’s time for his first playoff run as a member of the Nuggets, which just so happens to come against his former team.
“I get up every night and compete regardless of who the matchup is,” Westbrook said. “Fortunately for me, I get to go home and (do) what’s most important – see my kids and take them to school while I get to play basketball. … Any opportunity I get a chance to go home and be around my family, which makes me the happiest and the most comfortable, I’m grateful for that.”
