Russell Westbrook, Great Pickup or Dud Signing in 2025

Russell Westbrook has a talent for making himself the center of attention, and he’s done it again this week. Last week, he proceeded to miss a layup and then fouled a Timberwolves player to give them the free throws needed to win the game.

So, after fans early in the season gave No. 0 his flowers, they were saying he had redeemed himself after his journeyman period. They’re now calling for his head, worried about their playoff chances with the ex-MVP handling the ball. Russell even earned a sit-em vs. the Pacers but he bounced back coming off the bench.

But has Westbrook been that bad this season, or is it another case of him being spectacularly good, then spectacularly bad, but providing more than he takes?

Russell Westbrook 2024-2025 Stats

That’s what I found out using fantasy stats for the 2024-2025 season. So far this season, the ex-UCLA man has a total of 2,316.3 points in the DraftKings season. For comparison’s sake, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a total of 4,039.3 points this season, teammate Jamal Murray has had 2,571.8 points total this season, and LaMelo Ball has had 2,152.5 total points this season. Keep in mind that those last two weren’t even All-Star guards, and Westbrook is sandwiched in the middle of them, though he is closer to Murray.

This is an obvious dip compared to the man who scored 5,324 points in 2017.

Westbrook’s Impact on the Denver Nuggets

This hasn’t affected his teammates, however, with Murray actually improving his total of 2,347 last season. And Aaron Gordon has 1,269.5 points this season despite playing in half the games and only having 2,177.8 points last season. Still, it’s not Luka Doncic’s numbers, is it? And for someone who at some point was straight-up better than the European, it should be enough to prove he’s lost a step and enough to say he’s a minus for the team.

Westbrook is Not in His Prime

Yes, Westbrook isn’t what he used to be, but he’s still producing more than an All-Star level guard like LaMelo.

He’s averaged a -38 plus-minus this season, and stats never lie, meaning the Nuggets are 38 points worse with him on the floor. Westbrook, with a more limited role with the Clippers, shined as his incredible skills shone against lesser opponents. Throughout his career, he’s relied on his incredible athleticism, and with that gone, unless he improves his jump shot and decision-making, he should be left as an offensive spark plug. The Nuggets gave up depth to get Westbrook; let’s not forget.

So that will cost them in the playoffs, although they have a better starting five than most. Safe to say he’ll cost them in the playoffs. Thanks a bunch for reading!