Last season, the Denver Nuggets leaned on Russell Westbrook quite a bit. He was one of the few players they had off the bench who had total confidence in his abilities. His effort was also necessary for a team that didn’t have much depth.
After the playoffs ended, Westbrook was unsigned for a large chunk of the offseason. He didn’t sign with the Kings until late in the summer. Westbrook played his first game against the Nuggets since then on Monday night and ended up losing the game.
Westbrook started the game and had 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. After the game, he was asked about his departure from Denver and why he decided not to pick up his player option that he had on his contract. He made it clear he wasn’t wanted.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – OCTOBER 28: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings during team introductions against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Former Denver Nuggets Guard Russell Westbrook Reveals He Wasn’t Wanted in Denver
While speaking to reporters after the game, Westbrook was frank about why he wasn’t still playing in Denver. He was asked about his one year there.
“I thought it was great. I guess some people didn’t. The truth is, they didn’t want me back. It ain’t up to me. Sorry ya’ll. God has a plan, be patient. It’s not up to me. If they don’t want me, that’s okay. Somebody else do.”
Westbrook was then asked about the player option and whether or not he considered picking that up.
“They told me not to. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted.”
Denver decided to make other moves to fill out their bench in the offseason, including bringing back Bruce Brown and signing Tim Hardaway. Those pieces have played well in Denver, but that was going to leave Westbrook outside the rotation this season if he had stayed.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Golden 1 Center on October 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets Have Played Well Without Russell Westbrook
Without Westbrook, the Nuggets have still played well. They are fourth in the Western Conference standings and still haven’t played their best basketball yet. Meanwhile, the Kings sit 13th in the West with Westbrook trying his best to pull them out of that spot.
The fit with Westbrook in Denver was always clunky. He turns the ball over at a high rate, which is something that the rest of the team doesn’t do. His energy gave them some big moments in the playoffs, but he just isn’t good enough of a shooter to be considered a threat on offense at this stage in his career.
Denver opted for players who can stretch the floor off the bench, something that has been lacking. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the NBA, but they need guys around him to hit open shots. Westbrook was left alone at the 3-point line last season.
Westbrook has played with a chip on his shoulder during his entire career. This is likely going to be one of his final seasons in the league, so he is trying to make the most of it with a new team giving him the opportunity to play solid rotational minutes.
Former Denver Nuggets Guard Russell Westbrook Reveals Why He Left