Russell Westbrook on Euro Cup Champions’ Radar Leaves NBA Fans in Splits: “Gonna Rebuild Gaza with All the Bricks”

Russell Westbrook is at the crossroads of his career as he mulls over the player option he has with the Denver Nuggets.

Russell Westbrook on Euro Cup Champions’ Radar Leaves NBA Fans in Splits: “Gonna Rebuild Gaza with All the Bricks”

Hapoel Tel Aviv reportedly readying monster bid for Russell Westbrook (Image via FirstSportz)

Russell Westbrook joined the Denver Nuggets with the idea that he would be competing for an NBA title. Playing alongside fellow triple-double monster Nikola Jokic should have been the best way to win a ring before his time in the league dwindled.

The Nuggets were one of the better teams for much of the regular season. After the All-Star break, that form and confidence went downhill as they struggled to consistently perform. By April, their head coach, Michael Malone, was gone after the ownership decided they had seen enough to be worried about the team’s future.

Some believed it was Malone’s preferential treatment of Westbrook that led to a fractured locker room. Then, some believed the former league MVP’s constant complaining nature was not well received by his teammates.

All of these rumors were running through the minds of both fans as well as the media. That is why they asked if the LA native was going to exercise his nearly $3.5 million player option. He had no clear answer, suggesting he will be taking time over the offseason to decide.

It could be that he wants to see how the Denver Nuggets operate in the offseason. If they build a championship-contending team, he could exercise that option and return to helm their 2nd unit. If he is not satisfied, as per European basketball reporter Nemanja Zoric, Westbrook has another option.

Zoric reported that Eurocup champions Hapoel Tel Aviv are planning to send an offer to the 36-year-old’s agent. If they do, they will go all out in terms of salary, with a package that has never been seen before in European basketball.

Russell Westbrook possible leaving for Europe sends fans into a frenzy

When this piece of news reached basketball fans, they could not believe what they were reading. On one hand, some believe it is a disservice to Russell Westbrook, considering he was one of the best players in the NBA. On the other hand, some believe it shows how far he has dropped off from his all-dominating years.

To go from being a part of championship-contending teams to the Euro League is a major downfall. It might benefit someone like Patrick Beverley. But this is not the way a future Hall of Famer should end his career. Fans took to social media to take shots at both the superstar and Tel Aviv for harbouring such dreams. Examples of those reactions are below.

Despite the trolls, fans are aware that no amount of money can pull Russell Westbrook into Israel, a country in the midst of a war. He might not even entertain the idea of playing anywhere abroad, even though other players have tried to continue their careers.

Russell Westbrook will most likely continue with Nuggets

Despite all the rumors and counter-rumors, all signs are pointing to the possibility of Russell Westbrook continuing with the Denver Nuggets. Unless he gets a lucrative deal with another championship contender, there is no chance he leaves a system he is having success.

Russell Westbrook will wait to see how Denver Nuggets adds to the squad
Russell Westbrook will wait to see how Denver Nuggets adds to the squad (Image via Open Source/X)

The UCLA alum is a part-time starter, part-time bench star, and is a vocal leader to the young players on the squad. He might have had his issues with handling his attitude, but those are part of his high-energy style of play.

The franchise needs him to provide that spark, and when the time comes to battle in the playoffs, Westbrook is one of their best players, as proven in the 2nd round against his former team. If only the franchise can add some impactful deputies for him, he might lead their 2nd unit to great success.

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