Russell Westbrook on playing with Nikola Jokic: 'I'm grateful for that'

As a former teammate of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook has seen his fair share of greatness from close quarters.

But Nikola Jokic, another former NBA champion and Finals MVP, is unlike any player with whom he's ever shared a locker room.

During the Nuggets' Media Day , Westbrook couldn't contain his excitement about running up and down the court with the reigning three-time NBA MVP, whom he considers "the best player in the world."

"To be on the floor with him is a grateful honor, and I'm grateful for that," Westbrook said on Thursday. "He does so many different things on the floor that allows other people to be great, and I'm just happy to be a part, and not playing against him or scouting against him. I'm able to see his greatness up close, and see the things he's able to do."

Westbrook revealed Jokic had earned his respect over the last few years for his exploits in the difficult Western Conference. Furthermore, the athletic guard said the recent teams he played for, including the Lakers and Clippers, were literally out of answers in trying to stop Jokic from having his way with them on the floor.

As such, Westbrook wanted to be on the court with a "literally unguardable" force to see what that entails.

The respect is apparently mutual. According to several insiders, Jokic pushed the Nuggets front office to pursue Westbrook, especially after his team failed to re-sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency.

Jokic spoke about his off-court relationship with Westbrook in his Media Day interview.

"I know who he is a little bit outside of the court," Jokic said of Westbrook. "Great teammate, worker and leadership — the guy who (you) want to listen (to), the guy you want to follow in the gym."

The Nuggets could have used Westbrook's leadership in the playoffs last season when they blew a 20-point lead in Game 7 against the Timberwolves. Many believe he could be the missing piece that propels the Nuggets back to championship contention after Jokic delivered them their first title in 2023.

Jokic, Westbrook and Co. begin their 2024-25 campaign against the Thunder on Oct. 24.