News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Russell Westbrook Speaks Out About Not Returning To Nuggets

(Photo by Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

It was one-and-done for Russell Westbrook last season, as he spent just a single year with the Denver Nuggets before moving on.

There was a lot of confusion among fans about why Westbrook was leaving Denver, but now the nine-time All-Star is shedding light on what happened.

“The truth is, they didn’t want me back. It ain’t up to me. If they don’t want me, that’s okay. They told me not to [pick up my player option]. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted,” Westbrook said.

Russell Westbrook on not returning to the Denver Nuggets:

“They didn’t want me back.”

…

“I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted.”

On NOT picking up the player option:

“They told me not to.” pic.twitter.com/f4lno2Yutk

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 4, 2025

Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Nuggets during the 2024-25 season.

He looked comfortable with his new squad and seemed well-adjusted to starting or coming off the bench.

When the season came to an end, a lot of people assumed that he would sign a new deal with Denver.

Instead, Westbrook decided to test free agency, surprising people who knew that there weren’t many teams across the league vying for him.

Ultimately, and after much delay, he agreed to a contract with the Sacramento Kings.

Westbrook is claiming that the Nuggets didn’t want him, but it’s not clear what that means.

Perhaps they were willing to extend him and simply desired a smaller contract, or maybe they wanted him to take on a smaller role.

Or, like Westbrook states, maybe they didn’t want him at all.

There is still a lot of murkiness about what went down between Westbrook and the Nuggets, but he sounds firm and happy with his decision to leave.

For a while, it looked like he wasn’t going to find another team to play for, but he is now trying to bring the Kings back into Western Conference prominence.

So far this season, Westbrook has averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

The post Russell Westbrook Speaks Out About Not Returning To Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/russell-westbrook-speaks-out-about-not-returning-to-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

J.K. Dobbins Made Franchise History With Explosive Start

(Photo by Tyler Schank/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos‘ offense has some issues to work out, but J.K. Dobbins is not one of them. The veteran running back is putting up good numbers in his first season with the team.

In fact, Dobbins made franchise history with his explosive start.

“J.K. Dobbins is the first Broncos RB to eclipse 750 rushing yards within the first 10 games of a season since Mike Anderson in 2005. That’s pretty amazing,” Zack Kelberman wrote on X.

J.K. Dobbins is the first #Broncos RB to eclipse 750 rushing yards within the first 10 games of a season since Mike Anderson in 2005.

That's pretty amazing. pic.twitter.com/mRC03ThSie

— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) November 10, 2025

Dobbins might be producing impressive numbers for his Broncos, but he believes that the offense needs to do even more. He’s not alone, because the fans are calling on it to improve, too.

Following their tight Week 10 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Dobbins admitted that the Broncos’ defense is winning them games, and the rest of the squad needs to step up as soon as possible. During that game, Denver was able to produce just 220 total yards and was 5-for-15 on third down.

However, once Dobbins gets going, he is hard to stop. Posting 750 yards in just 10 games is a big accomplishment, but it won’t mean much if the rest of the offense isn’t keeping up with him.

The Broncos know they can rely on Dobbins, but he is demanding that others help him out. That will require quarterback Bo Nix and the rest of the offense to figure out why they often play sluggish football and make the necessary changes.

The post J.K. Dobbins Made Franchise History With Explosive Start appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/j-k-dobbins-made-franchise-history-with-explosive-start/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Reveals Biggest Difference With Nuggets This Season

(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

For the last several years, Denver Nuggets fans have been demanding that the front office put effort into building a better, deeper, more reliable roster. They finally listened and got to work over the summer, and their changes seem to be working.

The Nuggets are currently the second-best team in the Western Conference. Following their win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, Nikola Jokic talked about what makes his squad different this year.

“The bench unit. It’s a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play, know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions. Bruce and Jonas were the most impactful in the second unit. They give us calmness,” Jokic said.

Asked Nikola Jokic about the biggest difference for his team this year through 11 games

Jokic: "The bench unit. It's a lot of veterans. A lot of guys who care, who know how to play… know what their role is. And we have advantages in multiple positions." pic.twitter.com/QqQEIqH4gP

— Law Murray

(@LawMurrayTheNU) November 13, 2025

Jokic is referencing Bruce Brown and Jonas Valančiūnas. During Wednesday’s game, Brown chipped in two points and four rebounds, while Valančiūnas delivered eight points, three rebounds, and a block.

Those two were big acquisitions during the summer and proof that the Nuggets were attempting to improve the roster built around Jokic. For many years, Denver has thrived or struggled based solely on Jokic, and it has clearly and understandably been his team alone.

But most people agree that the Nuggets will only return to the NBA Finals if the lineup around Jokic is better, especially in the frontcourt. Valančiūnas is a proven big man, and Brown already had a deep chemistry with Denver because he previously played with them.

The Nuggets are functioning better than they have in years. Jokic has taken notice, but he’s not the only one.

The post Nikola Jokic Reveals Biggest Difference With Nuggets This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-reveals-biggest-difference-with-nuggets-this-season/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Continues To Make NBA History With Elite Statlines

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Wilt Chamberlain remains one of the most physically dominant players in NBA history relative to his era. Nikola Jokic does not fit that same mold in terms of athleticism or explosiveness.

The Denver Nuggets center lacks elite speed and is not considered particularly explosive by modern standards. His career accomplishments have placed him on a Hall of Fame path regardless of those physical limitations.

Jokic delivered another historic stat line in Denver’s recent 130-127 loss to the Chicago Bulls with 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists. The performance added to his growing list of statistically rare achievements.

“He passes Wilt Chamberlain for second-most regular season games with 30+ PTS, 15+ REB & 10+ AST in NBA history, trailing only Oscar Robertson,” the NBA shared on X.

Joker did Joker things tonight for Denver!

36 PTS

18 REB

13 AST

He passes Wilt Chamberlain for second-most regular season games with 30+ PTS, 15+ REB & 10+ AST in NBA history, trailing only Oscar Robertson

pic.twitter.com/sKiF5CLyyU

— NBA (@NBA) November 18, 2025

Chamberlain’s statistical output across his career has never been matched in league history. The modern NBA features more advanced defensive schemes and a higher level of overall talent, which makes replicating those numbers nearly impossible.

Jokic is still reaching territory few players have ever approached despite those differences. He is building a case to be considered among the greatest centers to ever play.

Jokic is currently averaging nearly 30 points per game while adding 13.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists for Denver. His shooting percentages stand at 64.8 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Jokic entered the week leading the Kia Race to the MVP Award. His résumé already includes three Kia MVP honors and two runner-up finishes over the past several seasons.

His production this year aligns closely with the consistent output he has maintained over the previous five campaigns. Jokic remains recognized as an elite passer at his position while also ranking among the best scorers and rebounders. His footwork, hand coordination, and court vision drive his effectiveness alongside sustained competitive focus.

The post Nikola Jokic Continues To Make NBA History With Elite Statlines appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-continues-to-make-nba-history-with-elite-statlines/