{"id":150758,"date":"2024-10-31T13:19:46","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T13:19:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nbaanalysis.net\/?p=126086"},"modified":"2024-10-31T13:19:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T13:19:46","slug":"should-russell-westbrook-retire-taking-a-look-at-the-former-nba-mvps-steep-decline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gamefootballmobileanimeiphone.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/31\/should-russell-westbrook-retire-taking-a-look-at-the-former-nba-mvps-steep-decline\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Russell Westbrook retire? Taking a look at the former NBA MVP\u2019s steep decline"},"content":{"rendered":"

Russell Westbrook has been in the NBA for over 15 seasons, but it may be time for him to hang up his sneakers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was a time when Russell Westbrook<\/a> was considered one of the best players in the NBA. A key reason behind it was Brodie’s nuclear athleticism. However, since entering the twilight years of his career, Russ has lost a couple of steps.<\/p>\n

As a result, he is no longer the star he once was. Despite that, the 2017 NBA MVP was awarded a chance to make an impact off the bench by the Denver Nuggets<\/a>. But it’s safe to say that Westbrook has struggled so far with the organization.<\/p>\n

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\"Russel<\/div>
Photo by Francois Nel\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is Russell Westbrook’s time in the NBA over?<\/h2>\n

Prior to joining the Nuggets, Westbrook had short stints with the Houston Rockets<\/a>, Washington Wizards<\/a>, Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>, and Los Angeles Clippers<\/a>. For what it’s worth, Russ was still a solid player when he was on the Rockets and the Wizards.<\/p>\n

In fact, Westbrook earned his last NBA All-Star appearance during his stint with the Rockets. Even though Westbrook missed out on being an All-Star with the Wizards, he still led the league in assists that season. He also finished 11th in the MVP race.<\/p>\n

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  • <\/use><\/svg>Read More: <\/strong>The Michael Porter Jr. trade that fixes Denver Nuggets\u2019 biggest issue, Victor Wembanyama impacted<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    However, since then the 2017 NBA MVP has shown huge signs of decline. For starters, he averaged less than 20.0 points per game for the first time since his sophomore season after being traded to the Lakers.<\/p>\n

    Eventually, he also lost his starting spot on the Purple and Gold. A similar trend continued when he was with the Clippers. Overall, he averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game from 2021 to 2024. He also shot an underwhelming 44.4 % from the field and a terrible 29.8% from the three-point line.<\/p>\n

    Many believed that Westbrook would revive his career after joining the Nuggets. However, so far, he has averaged just 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on abysmal shooting splits for the Nuggets. To put things into perspective, he is shooting just 27.0% from the field and 25.0% from the three-point line.<\/p>\n

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    • <\/use><\/svg>Read More: <\/strong>Kendrick Perkins names the All-Star who reminds him of 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook, \u2018he\u2019s a lion\u2019<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Westbrook showed signs of a comeback<\/h2>\n
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      \"Denver<\/div>
      Photo by Andrew Wevers\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      If there is one thing that Westbrook deserves credit for in his career, it is navigating through criticism. Following a rough start to the season, Brodie was criticized by the NBA community. But what did he do? He put his head down and showcased that he can still play well.<\/p>\n

      Westbrook contributed 22 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists in the Nuggets’ 144-139 OT win over the Brooklyn Nets. It included a perfect 10-10 night from the free throw line.<\/p>\n

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      22 FOR RUSS \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/uBGjq8NAVq<\/a><\/p>\n

      — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n