The Nuggets need Westbrook to move on, declining his player option. It is not unthinkable with needy teams like Brooklyn needing a jolt from a big name. This is not personal. Watching Westbrook requires a seatbelt. He is unpredictable and reckless, yet he practically won the Clippers series with his clutch performances at Ball Arena.
But Adelman cannot be charged with doing right by Jokic and holding Jamal Murray accountable (it was a good sign Murray attended the presser) while treating Westbrook with the respect worthy of a former MVP. Westbrook takes up too much oxygen in the room. He has value. But not on this team, not the way Adelman wants to tweak the style of play and make things fresh for long-tenured Nuggets.
Adelman aims to decaffeinate the offense. Westbrook is a human Red Bull. And when asked about the team’s biggest need, he said, without hesitation, “consistent shooting.” These are not Westbrook’s strengths. He filled a role, sometimes in fantastic fashion, but Denver needs to go forward without him.

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