Nuggets President Responds to Reports of Westbrook Causing Locker Room Tension…
Following the surprising dismissal of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just days before the regular season ended, reports surfaced suggesting Russell Westbrook was a source of internal conflict.
According to The Athletic, Malone and Booth reportedly clashed over Westbrook’s role on the team. Booth preferred giving more playing time to the younger players, while Malone consistently chose to play Westbrook over rookie Jalen Pickett. This decision was particularly criticized after an overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Westbrook made a few critical errors. The report also noted that Malone’s continued support of Westbrook created friction with several players, especially among the younger group.
However, during a press conference on Monday ahead of the playoffs, Nuggets president and CEO Josh Kroenke dismissed those claims, stating that Westbrook has only been a positive influence since arriving in Denver last summer.
“I can’t speak highly enough about my experience with Russ,” Kroenke said. “When the opportunity came up to bring him in, and we started talking, I told him I was just glad he was on our side now, instead of hurting us with the kind of plays he’s made in the past.”
Kroenke went on to say, “To answer your question directly—no, Russ has not been a problem. In fact, he’s been a vital addition. He brought a needed edge to the team this season. He’s one of the fiercest competitors in the game, and when that intensity is directed properly, it elevates everyone. I believe the younger players on our roster probably grew up idolizing him. What makes Russ special now is his understanding of the broader impact he has—he’s a tremendous teammate and an even better person. We’re fortunate to have him.”
