The Denver Nuggets are facing a growing crisis that could derail their championship aspirations—the Russell Westbrook problem. What started as a seemingly low-risk, high-reward signing has now become a glaring weakness that opposing teams are exploiting mercilessly. With the playoffs approaching, head coach Michael Malone finds himself in a difficult position with no easy answers.
Last summer, the Nuggets were in a bind after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency with no financial flexibility to replace him. Desperate for depth, they took a chance on Westbrook, signing the former MVP to a veteran minimum contract. The move was met with skepticism, given Westbrook’s rocky tenures with the Lakers and Clippers, but early returns were promising. His electric energy, aggressive playmaking, and unexpected chemistry with Nikola Jokić gave Denver a much-needed spark.
For months, it seemed like the doubters were wrong. Westbrook filled gaps in the Nuggets’ rotation and provided a relentless drive that helped sustain the team through stretches of the season. His ability to push the tempo and create shots in transition added a new dimension to the offense. However, in recent weeks, the tide has turned dramatically, exposing the very flaws that had plagued his previous teams.
Opposing teams are daring Westbrook to shoot—and he’s taking the bait. Defenses have started treating him as a non-threat from the perimeter, sagging off him to clog passing lanes and double-team Jokić. This strategy has been devastatingly effective, particularly against elite defensive teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, Westbrook is taking far too many shots—13, 13, and 17 attempts in the team’s last three losses—forcing the Nuggets into inefficient offensive possessions.
The impact on the team has been severe. When Jokić and Jamal Murray are clicking, the Nuggets look like legitimate title contenders. But when defenses neutralize them and funnel the offense through Westbrook, Denver becomes alarmingly vulnerable. Unlike Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun, who sometimes hesitate in big moments, Westbrook never lacks confidence—but that’s part of the problem. His unwavering aggression is both a strength and a liability, especially when his inefficiency derails the team’s offensive flow.
Malone now faces a nightmare scenario heading into the playoffs. Westbrook’s experience and energy are valuable, but his shooting woes and defensive limitations make him a potential liability in a postseason setting. The Nuggets need his leadership and presence off the bench, yet they cannot afford to let him dominate the offense. The question becomes: how do they limit Westbrook’s negative impact without disrupting the rotation?
The reality is that there’s no easy fix. Denver cannot simply bench Westbrook, as they still need his minutes and veteran experience, especially against deep teams with strong second units. But if he continues to consume offensive possessions at an unsustainable rate, it could cost them crucial playoff games. Malone must find a way to rein in Westbrook’s tendencies without alienating him—a delicate balancing act that could determine whether the Nuggets sink or swim.
With title expectations weighing heavy, Denver cannot afford to ignore the problem any longer. The Westbrook dilemma is no longer a minor issue—it’s a ticking time bomb. How Malone and the Nuggets navigate this challenge could very well define their postseason fate.