NBA analyst suggests former MVP for Most Improved Player Award amid bounce-back season 

NBA analyst Vincent Goodwill suggested that Russell Westbrook could be named the 2025 Most Improved Player. Since joining the Denver Nuggets this season, Westbrook has had more opportunities to play like his usual self.

Playing for the Nuggets, we've seen glimpses of an OKC Thunder version of Russell Westbrook. In their matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on January 10, Westbrook put up a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports believes that Russ should be the NBA's Most Improved Player this season.

"How about another unconventional pick? Russell Westbrook," Goodwill said. "I was convinced he was done as a player who had an impact on real winning after his last few years — and maybe this is a testament to Nikola Jokić."

"Now Westbrook looks like the perfect mini-engine to Jokić, rising from the ashes, capable of forcing an imprint on a game for a team that desperately needs that," Goodwill added.

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Russell Westbrook's case for Most Improved Player since becoming a starter

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat - Source: Imagn

Russell Westbrook was named a permanent starter for the Denver Nuggets as of December 27, 2024. Both Jokic and Westbrook have similar playstyles, however, it's because of that similarity that they've enabled each other on the hardwood. They basically pass the ball back-and-forth to each one every game.

Since becoming a permanent starter, Westbrook has helped the Nuggets go 12-4. In the last 16 games, he averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. His recent figures may no longer be up to par with his days on OKC, but it's certainly a better look compared to his time with both teams in Los Angeles.

Last season, Westbrook had a career-low 11.1 ppg while playing for the LA Clippers. During Russ' time with the LA Lakers, Darvin Ham forced him to play under the sixth-man role, which hurt the former MVP's reputation as a player.

Russell Westbrook's tenure with the Denver Nuggets has served as a platformer for redemption. Given these factors, Westbrook is now a deserving candidate for the NBA Most Improved Player award.