Russell Westbrook’s move to the Denver Nuggets in the 2024 offseason was a calculated gamble. After a tumultuous stint with the Los Angeles Lakers and a brief run with the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook signed a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Nuggets, as reported by ESPN on July 26, 2024. The 2017 MVP, known for his relentless energy and triple-double prowess, was brought in to bolster Denver’s backcourt following the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson. Nuggets GM Calvin Booth emphasized Westbrook’s fit, noting his ability to push the pace and provide leadership off the bench.
His impact has been felt most in transition, where the Nuggets rank among the league’s best, and in his ability to spell Jamal Murray, who has battled inconsistency and injuries. Westbrook’s intensity has also brought a new edge to the team, with Nikola Jokić praising his teammate’s “fire” in a post-game interview after a 124-111 win over the Utah Jazz on April 2, 2025.
Stephen A. Smith’s Prediction: A Closer Look
Stephen A. Smith’s claim on First Take, as highlighted in the viral tweet, hinges on Westbrook’s ability to elevate the Nuggets in the playoffs. Smith argued that Westbrook’s experience, defensive tenacity, and ability to take over games in crunch time could be the X-factor for a Nuggets team that fell short in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Russell Westbrook is a winner,” Smith declared. “He’s going to push Jokić and Murray to another level, and that’s why Denver will be in the Finals.”
The prediction has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters point to Westbrook’s playoff pedigree—he’s reached the Finals once (2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder) and has consistently been a high-impact player in postseason settings. His 2023 playoff performance with the Clippers, where he averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists against the Phoenix Suns, showed he can still dominate when it matters. For a Nuggets team that sometimes lacks a secondary playmaker when Murray struggles, Westbrook’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate could indeed be a game-changer.
Critics, however, question whether Westbrook’s style fits Denver’s system. The Nuggets thrive on Jokić’s playmaking and a motion-based offense, while Westbrook’s high-usage, ball-dominant tendencies can disrupt spacing. His career 30.5% three-point shooting remains a liability, especially in a playoff meta where defenses pack the paint against non-shooters. Social media reactions to the tweet reflect this divide, with one user commenting, “Westbrook is a spark plug, but Finals? That’s a stretch,” while another countered, “If Russ can play within the system, he might just prove Stephen A. right.”
The Nuggets’ Path to the Finals
For Smith’s prediction to come true, the Nuggets must navigate a loaded Western Conference. As of April 7, 2025, Denver sits at 7-3, third in the West behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (9-1) and the Golden State Warriors (8-2), per NBA standings. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, have emerged as a juggernaut, while the Warriors’ veteran core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains a playoff threat. Other contenders like the Dallas Mavericks, with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, and the Phoenix Suns, bolstered by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, pose significant challenges.
The Nuggets’ success will hinge on their core trio of Jokić, Murray, and Aaron Jones, with Westbrook as the wildcard. Jokić, a three-time MVP, continues to be the league’s best big man, averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 assists, and 10.9 rebounds through the first 10 games. Murray, however, has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.2% from the field, raising concerns about his playoff reliability. Westbrook’s ability to take pressure off Murray in key moments could be crucial, especially if he can replicate his 2023 playoff intensity.
What the Numbers Say
Analytics paint a nuanced picture of Westbrook’s impact. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Nuggets’ net rating improves by +3.2 points per 100 possessions with Westbrook on the floor, largely due to his ability to force turnovers (Denver ranks second in opponent turnover rate at 16.8%). However, their offensive rating drops slightly, reflecting Westbrook’s shooting limitations. In clutch situations (defined as the last five minutes of a game within five points), Westbrook has been a net positive, with the Nuggets outscoring opponents by 12 points in his 18 clutch minutes, per NBA.com.
Westbrook’s defensive impact has also been a pleasant surprise. While never an elite defender, his 6’3” frame and 6’8” wingspan allow him to guard multiple positions, and he’s averaging 1.4 steals per game. This versatility could be vital against teams like the Thunder, where he might be tasked with slowing down Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams.
The Verdict: Can Westbrook Be the Difference?
Stephen A. Smith’s prediction is bold, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. The Nuggets have the talent to reach the Finals, with Jokić as the ultimate trump card and a supporting cast that includes Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun. Westbrook’s role as a sixth man gives Denver a different dimension—a high-energy, downhill attacker who can change the tempo of a game in an instant. If he can balance his aggressive style with Jokić’s cerebral approach, the Nuggets could indeed make a deep playoff run.
However, the road to the Finals is fraught with challenges. Westbrook will need to prove he can adapt to a smaller role in the playoffs, where his shooting woes could be exploited. Murray’s consistency and the team’s overall health will also be critical factors. For now, Smith’s prediction has given NBA fans plenty to debate, and as the season progresses, all eyes will be on Westbrook to see if he can defy the skeptics and lead the Nuggets back to the promised land.
