Nuggets' Russell Westbrook has surgery to fix two breaks on his right hand
Russell Westbrook averaged 11.7 points in 24 minutes per night for the Nuggets this postseason. While he was critical in a few wins, he also shot 39.1% for the postseason and had some rough outings as well.
A fractured hand may have contributed to that. Westbrook announced he had surgery on his hand on his blog, World of Westbrook (the Nuggets also confirmed the surgery).
'I'm undergoing surgery on my right hand to fix two breaks that happened during the season. I'm grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion.'
'
Westbrook has a $3.5 million player option for next season. At age 36, and coming off surgery, he could put himself on the free agent market, but there is unlikely to be more money for him elsewhere, and almost certainly not a better situation. Westbrook is one of those players whose game has been elevated by Nikola Jokic's passing and ability to find him on cuts to the rim or on leak-outs.
Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a game this season, playing almost 28 minutes a night in the 75 games he played. A Denver team looking to add depth around Jokic likely welcomes him back, but you can be sure Westbrook and his agent are kicking the tires to see if other playoff teams might be willing to pay more or have a bigger role for him.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Nuggets' 2024-25 campaign concluded with a hard-fought seven-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, the Nuggets were unable to overcome the Thunder's youth, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement Despite being far from their best at times this season, the series highlighted the competitive spirit of the Nuggets, who pushed the top-seeded Thunder to the brink. Central to Denver's success was Nikola Jokic, who delivered another MVP-caliber season. Over 70 regular-season games, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, and finished top three in all three major stats. However, Jokic wasn't the only center for the Nuggets this season. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and center DeAndre Jordan (6)Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Three-time All-NBA team member DeAndre Jordan just completed his 17th NBA and third in Denver. Serving as a seasoned presence off the bench, Jordan contributed 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 65.0% from the field over 56 appearances. Advertisement Following the season's end, Jordan took to Instagram where he announced he is not retiring, and will return for an 18th NBA season. "Season 17 in the books," he began. "Man, can't say enough how grateful I am for this team, this city, and everyone who supported us along the way. Playing this game never gets old, and doing it with this group made it even more meaningful. Big love to the Mile High fans, y'all brought the energy every night. And to my friends, family, and everyone who's been in my corner thank you for the love. PS: this isn't a retirement post!" Denver Nuggets center Deandre Jordan posts on / Instagram Jordan's career began in 2008 when he was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Over a decade with the Clippers, he became the franchise leader in games played, rebounds, and blocks. His tenure included stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets, where he won a championship in 2023. Advertisement When Jordan was released by the Lakers in 2022, there was speculation that could be the end of his NBA career. Instead, he went on to join the 76ers and ultimately Denver where he has spent the last three seasons. Related: Lakers Fans Excited Over LeBron James, Luka Doncic News Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
David Adelman is the new head coach of the Denver Nuggets, and the players are the reason why
What's next for the Denver Nuggets after falling to Oklahoma City in second round? | The Kevin O'Connor Show Kevin O'Connor & Dane Moore react to the Denver Nuggets falling in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After a tumultuous season which saw head coach Michael Malone fired with only weeks to go in the regular season and a shallow roster beyond stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray -- what moves should Denver make to not repeat the same mistakes of 2025? Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 3:10 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins first NBA MVP award
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard who led his team to the NBA's best record, was named the league's most valuable player during Wednesday's "NBA on TNT Pregame Show." Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is the third Thunder player to win the MVP. Kevin Durant took home the honors in 2014 and Russell Westbrook won it in 2017. Advertisement It's the seventh consecutive season a foreign-born player has won the award, as Gilgeous-Alexander is a native of Canada. ANALYSIS: Why Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should win NBA MVP OPINION: Slow start doesn't shake Shai: Thunder star struts MVP moxie in Game 1 ESPN first reported the news. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won 68 regular-season games, including going 29-1 against the Eastern Conference, winning games by an average of 12.9 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 1,055 points. Gilgeous-Alexander also won his first scoring title, averaging 32.1 points per game, including a streak where he scored 20 or more points in 72 consecutive games. He also averaged five rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists, and his value was not only on the offensive end but defensively as well, as Oklahoma City was first in defensive rating and third in offensive rating. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander finished ahead of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who won the award last season. Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, finishing in the top three in each category, while leading the league in performance efficiency rating. Jokic recorded an NBA-high 34 triple-doubles this season and is the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, joining Oscar Robertson and Westbrook. Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 first-place votes (worth 10 points) and 29 second-place votes (worth seven points) to win the award with 913 points. Jokic received the other 29 first-place votes and 71 second-place votes to finish with 787 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished in third (470 points), marking the seventh consecutive year he's finished in the top four. Jayson Tatum placed fourth (311 points) and Donovan Mitchell rounded out the top five (74 points). A two-time first-team All-NBA performer, Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible to sign a four-year, $293 million supermax extension this summer. He made $35.8 million this year, and is scheduled to take home $38.3 million and $40.8 million in the final two years of his current contract, which he signed in 2021. NBA MVP voting Check out the full voting totals below: Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP See the moment Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the 2024-25 NBA MVP, and what he said: Editor's note: The NBA MVP award is voted on by 100 members of the media, chosen by the league. Voting takes place before the postseason. USA TODAY Sports reporter Jeff Zillgitt has a vote. Advertisement The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. (This story has been updated with new information). This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder guard, wins NBA MVP
