In a recent press conference, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon voiced strong criticism of an article published by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that questioned the character and impact of Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. The article, titled “Why the Nuggets’ title hopes might hinge on the most volatile player in the NBA,” included negative assessments of Westbrook, particularly referencing an alleged heated exchange between him and Gordon following Game Two of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers.
During the media session, Gordon made it clear that he found the article to be “arbitrary and pointless,” asserting that it misrepresented both Westbrook and the dynamics within the Nuggets’ locker room. He emphasized that while disagreements can arise within any team, they are part of the internal workings that should remain private. “Russ is one of the most talented basketball players that has ever played the game,” Gordon stated. “And quite frankly, he’s been great for us all year long. We’re brothers; we spend more time with our team than we do with our own families.”
Gordon’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Westbrook, who has been both celebrated and criticized throughout his career. The ESPN article included a mixed assessment of Westbrook, acknowledging his competitive spirit and availability while also highlighting concerns over his temperament and moodiness on the court. Gordon contended that the article’s portrayal of Westbrook was not only misleading but also unfair given the player’s contributions to the team.
In the wake of the article’s publication, there has been significant support for Westbrook across social media platforms. Notably, Nuggets guard Austin Rivers expressed his frustration with the use of anonymous sources in the article, while Westbrook’s wife, Nina, took to her social media to defend her husband. She criticized Shelburne for what she termed “dirty work,” accusing the journalist of spreading misinformation for the sake of clickbait during a critical playoff season.
As the Nuggets prepare for their upcoming games, Gordon remains optimistic about their chances, stating that the team is focused on winning and supporting each other. “Russ has been amazing for us, and he’s going to continue to be great for us,” he asserted. “He’s going to make a huge impact and help us win these next two games.”
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and narratives that often accompany high-stakes playoff scenarios, with media scrutiny amplifying the pressure on players. As the Nuggets look to advance in the postseason, the team’s unity and focus on their collective goal will be paramount amidst external distractions.