“Nikola is the best player in the world” - Russell Westbrook buries the narratives of being in a triple-double race with Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets have taken a huge risk by acquiring Russell Westbrook for their 2024-25 campaign to bring veteran leadership to their team. While Brodie's tenacity, grit, and mentality are expected to energize the younger players, concerns have surfaced regarding his effectiveness when not serving as the primary ball handler. Moreover, given that the 2017 MVP is most impactful when recording triple-doubles, the presence of Nikola Jokic may limit such opportunities.

However, Brodie is least concerned about his individual impact and numbers, emphasizing that his primary focus is contributing to the team's success alongside the 'best player in the world.'

Russell Westbrook isn't concerned to be involved in any triple-double

After averaging a triple-double during the 2020-21 season with the Washington Wizards, Russ's role changed drastically upon joining the LA Lakers. This led to fewer opportunities to showcase the same level of dominance, and he has been criticized pretty harshly since then.

During his introductory press conference with the Denver Nuggets , Westbrook was asked whether he intended to pursue triple-doubles to maximize his impact and whether he had discussed this with the three-time MVP. Westbrook downplayed the notion, asserting that the team's shared objective is winning games, regardless of personal statistics.

"No we have not had a conversation about it. I don't know if there's a race or not but we have not talked about it at all," Westbrook said. "Nikola is the best player in the world and he's playing at the highest level and all we care about is winning basketball games and that's it."

Westbrook can still be a game-changer without his triple-doubles

Gone are the days for Coach Malone when players like Reggie Jackson, Jeff Green, and Bruce Brown came off the bench. With Kentavious Caldwell Pope no longer with the organization, Russ can improve the team's bench depth almost single-handedly in different roles.

Considering that Denver ranked among the bottom five in terms of pace last season, with a team tally of 97.4, Westbrook's individual tally stood at 102.17. So, it is safe to say that even at 35, he is one of the league's most explosive guards, capable of charging toward the rim or initiating fast break opportunities.

If Westbrook is appropriately integrated into the rotation and surrounded by players who can help limit his turnovers, his presence will likely positively impact the Nuggets' winning potential moving forward.

Related: Oscar Robertson reveals he told Westbrook the NBA would turn on him: "They will blame you"