Russell Westbrook’s wife, Nina, defended her husband after former NFL safety Ryan Clark criticized him on ESPN’s “Get Up.” Clark compared Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson to Westbrook in a negative context.
Nina took to Instagram to respond to comments about Clark’s remarks, expressing her frustration that Westbrook, now with the Denver Nuggets, is facing criticism before the season has even begun.
She said both Russell Westbrook and Lamar Jackson are exceptional talents, calling them “unicorns.”
“My goodness! Just as a basketball fan, we couldn’t even wait for the NBA season to start up before the Russell slander begins?” Nina said.
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“The only comparison to be made between Russell and Lamar [is] that they’re both unicorns and amazing at what they do.”
Nina quipped that critics should hold off on judgment until they see Westbrook in action.
“Before you start hating on Russell, at least let the basketball season start and let him miss a layup or something first,” she said. “I’m still enjoying the peace and the silence.”
Westbrook posted a screenshot of his wife’s comments on Instagram.
On “Get Up,” Clark likened Jackson to Westbrook, noting their impressive regular seasons but failures in the playoffs.
“Lamar Jackson right now is like Russell Westbrook, right? We watch Russell Westbrook, throughout the regular season and even in the playoffs have these great statistical games, have this huge impact on what teams are doing,” Clark said.
“But you remember when he and Dame Lillard went head-to-head and it got emotional, he couldn’t make a shot, right? Everything he was trying to aim, every time he was open, it was hitting the back of the iron. It wouldn’t go in. And what did Dame Lillard do at the end of the game? Dame little side step shot the three, and he hit us with [the wave].”
Russell Westbrook previews Nuggets threads
Russell Westbrook joined the Denver Nuggets as a free agent after leaving the LA Clippers and being waived by the Utah Jazz. Westbrook showcased his new jersey on social media, sporting number four for the first time since his Wizards days.
Westbrook adds depth to the Nuggets’ point guard position, previously filled by Reggie Jackson and Collin Gillespie. With Jackson moving to Philadelphia and Gillespie to Phoenix, Westbrook will back up Jamal Murray, who missed 23 games last season.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Westbrook is anticipated to be a “spot-starter” for the Nuggets.
There are concerns about Murray’s health, who averaged just six points per game, shooting 41.2% from 2-point range and a poor 14.3% from 3-point range in his Olympics run with Canada.
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