Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is now the latest name in the long list of talented superstars Russell Westbrook will share the court with.
Even though both players yet to spend actual minutes on the hardcourt, Westbrook is already heaping praise on Jokic.
"You want to be on a team with someone that is literally unguardable," Westbrook said of joining Jokic and the Nuggets in the team’s media day availability on Friday, September 27 (PH time).
Elite ball-knower pic.twitter.com/ag2eiPMPYF
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 26, 2024
Russ’ addition to Denver gives the 2023 champions another do-it-all veteran who is expected to reduce Jokic and superstar guard Jamal Murray’s workload on the offensive end. In the last offseason, the Nuggets lost one of their key pieces in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed with Orlando Magic.
"To be on the floor with him [Jokic] is a grateful honor, and I'm grateful for that," Westbrook added.
The 2017 MVP, who is the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles with 199, was asked what the game plan often was against Jokic.
“Good luck. That’s it,” he admitted.
It was a short but somehow factual response from Westbrook, who lauded the Serbian big man's all-around brilliance.
"He [Jokic] 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, and I'm able to see his greatness up close, and see the things he's able to do."
"Good luck... there's nothing you can do."
— NBA (@NBA) September 26, 2024
Russ LOVES that he won't have to gameplan against Nikola Jokic anymore 🤝#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/NByii2kfaq
Westbrook will enter his 16th NBA season with a new team, signing a two-year deal with Denver last July, but with the same goal: win his first-ever NBA title.
"This team has always been at the top of the Western Conference, always contending. They play the right brand of basketball."
Last season, the Nuggets reached the second round of the playoffs before blowing a 20-point lead in a Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
[ALSO READ: Timberwolves crush Nuggets' heart with largest Game 7 comeback in NBA history]
Joining his fifth team in the last five years, Westbrook reiterates his brand of basketball will not change at this point of his career.
“I’m always, at this stage of my career, looking to play the right way, regardless of the wins or losses, understanding that playing the proper band of basketball allows everyone to kind of get involved, allows the team to grow.”
He was also asked about being booed throughout his career, to which he referenced the iconic and late great Kobe Bryant.
"Over the course of my career, I've been booed and all that stuff everywhere else, but I take it as a sign of respect just like the late Kobe Bryant... If people don't say anything, then you should be worried."
"I take it as a sign of respect, just like the late Kobe Bryant... When people boo you they understand it's a level of respect. "
— NBA (@NBA) September 26, 2024
Russ is fired up to be on the right side of the Denver crowd this year 🔥#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/AeWi3N69Vq
Denver will open their 2024-25 season against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 25.
