The unexpected player who could be key for the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs

Apart from Nikola Jokic, few could have anticipated the crucial role that Russell Westbrook would play for the Denver Nuggets this season. The team has maximized its strengths, and the veteran guard has embraced his role as a key player on both ends of the court. His willingness to adapt, along with the amazing synergy with the Serb, has helped mitigate some of his weaknesses.

Westbrook has reduced his turnovers, especially when sharing the court with the three-time MVP. In those instances, he doesn't have to force the ball through multiple defenders to set up an easy layup for his big man, as Jokic is equally lethal with his floater from outside the restricted area. Westbrook's well-known shooting issues have also been alleviated by being a threat as a cutter against double teams or his effectiveness in reverse pick and roll situations, punishing every small miscommunication by finding one of the best passers in history.

However, as the postseason approaches, individual flaws are magnified. In Westbrook's case, there is ample evidence that smart defensive schemes have exploited his shortcomings, resulting in ineffective playoff performances. It also raises the question of whether he can replicate his efficiency in the postseason. Nonetheless, the Nuggets cannot afford to forego the energy and playmaking Westbrook provides, so the utilization of Michael Malone of Westbrook is crucial to their championship aspirations. With a full season to evaluate his role, key questions remain: Should Westbrook start or come off the bench? How effective can he be defensively? What lineup combinations maximize his effectiveness?

The answer is quite apparent: Westbrook should share the court with Jokic as much as possible. While this principle applies to most players, the mutual benefits of their partnership make it especially important. Although the two-man game between Jokic and Jamal Murray nears perfection, ensuring Westbrook plays alongside Jokic can help stabilize the second unit and prevent the feared bench drop-off. To optimize spacing, lineups where Westbrook and Peyton Watson play should be avoided, as these two non-shooting threats allow defenses to clog the paint with multiple defenders, making it a nightmare for stars to create an efficient offense.

The Importance of Westbrook in Denver's Defense

Ideally, Westbrook would come off the bench in a unit with Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther. This combination offers strong cutting threats in Braun and Gordon, additional ball-handling from Strawther, and two elite passers in Jokic and Westbrook, maximizing offensive efficiency. Defensively, Westbrook's versatility could complement this lineup well, allowing them to switch from the 1 to the 4.

Westbrook could leave his mark in a potential playoff series against the Thunder. Throughout his career, he has been an inconsistent defender, often relying on his athleticism while suffering from mental lapses. However, an area in which he has always excelled is defending bigger players. His physique and tenacity make him an effective disruptor against taller, slimmer centers, as evidenced when Malone assigned him to defend Victor Wembanyama in the January 3rd game against the Spurs. The Nuggets deployed a switching defense and late double teams, forcing numerous turnovers and stifling San Antonio's offense. A similar approach could be used against Chet Holmgren of Oklahoma City, whose small stature makes him uncomfortable against physical defenses.

This defensive strategy could also be effective against the Golden State Warriors, as Westbrook would be the primary defender against Draymond Green, allowing him to switch onto Stephen Curry in driving situations. Since Westbrook is strong enough to defend Green, the Warriors wouldn't be able to exploit that strategy under the basket.

If utilized correctly, Westbrook has the potential to change the Nuggets' game on both ends during the playoffs. His postseason performance could define his legacy, potentially culminating in the elusive championship he has chased for so long.

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