Russell Westbrooks Brave Journey: Overcoming Broken Bones and Surgically Repairing His Shooting Hand
In a recent announcement, former league MVP and Denver Nuggets key contributor Russell Westbrook revealed that he underwent surgery on his right hand to repair two broken bones. The injury, sustained during the season, had a significant impact on his performance throughout Denver's playoff run.
Despite playing through the fractures in his shooting hand, Westbrook still managed to put up impressive numbers, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point distance. However, his inefficiencies on offense were evident during the postseason, as he shot 39.1% from the field and 31.7% from 3 while turning the ball over 2.3 times per game.
Opponents frequently left Westbrook open on the perimeter, daring him to shoot while double-teaming elsewhere. Despite these challenges, Westbrook offered a spark off the bench at his best and was a valuable contributor to the Nuggets' success in the playoffs. The Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers in Round 1 but ultimately lost a seven-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Westbrook, 36, has one year remaining on a two-year, $6.8 million contract he signed to join the Nuggets as a free agent last offseason. His contract will count roughly $3.5 million against the salary cap in 2025-26.
The Nuggets are entering a high-stakes offseason, as they'll hire a new general manager to replace Calvin Booth, who was fired late in the season. The new general manager will be tasked with reconstructing a roster that was exposed for its lack of depth against the considerably deeper Thunder. David Adelman will return as the full-time head coach after replacing the fired Michael Malone late in the season and coaching Denver through its playoff run on an interim tag.
Westbrook's surgery is a reminder of the physical demands of professional basketball and the importance of proper care and recovery for players. As he continues his rehabilitation, fans and teammates can only hope for a speedy return to full health and form for one of the league's most beloved and accomplished players.
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