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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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One of the more interesting signings from the offseason that may have gone under the radar was the Denver Nuggets landing former MVP Russell Westbrook. Westbrook takes over as the backup point guard for Denver after they traded away Reggie Jackson this summer.
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The veteran guard has become somewhat controversial over the years due to his inability to fit into different schemes. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Clippers and saw his minutes cut at different times due to his play.
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While Westbrook is still a decent player, he also doesn't have the incredible athleticism that helped him become a future Hall-of-Famer. But it seems that Westbrook is already making an impact with the Nuggets.
Denver guard Peyton Watson spoke about what Westbrook has brought to the table in his short time already.
"He was just a huge inspiration for me from the passion he plays with," Peyton Watson said, "being himself unapologetically, and just being somebody who I feel like always leaves it out there on the floor. ... As far back as I can remember watching basketball, really, I've been watching the energy and the passion that he played with, knowing that he came from damn near down the street from where I'm from (in Long Beach, California)."
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If Westbrook can bring his killer attitude to the Nuggets, it could possibly help them get back on track. Denver was bounced in the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves during their quest to repeat as champions.
"Downhill. Athletic. Tough. Mean. In-your-face," Braun said. "Those are the type of guys I loved, and I learned from."
Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season for Los Angeles. He appeared in 68 games for the Clippers, helping them get to the postseason.
The team decided it was time to move on from Westbrook after a rocky relationship started forming. Both sides agreed to part ways, and now Westbrook can chase a title with the Nuggets.
Westbrook's energy could be a good addition to a team that lacked much flare toward the end of last season. If he can come in and contribute within his role, the Nuggets could be a force to be dealt with again within the Western Conference.
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