Nuggets' Russell Westbrook Undergoes Surgery for Right Hand Injury

Russell Westbrook, the 36-year-old Denver Nuggets guard, revealed he played through the 2024-25 NBA playoffs with two broken bones in his right hand, which required surgery during the offseason. Despite the injury, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games and was a key contributor to the Nuggets' deep playoff run, which ended in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The surgery addressed multiple ligament tears, and the team expects Westbrook to resume full offseason training, aiming for a full recovery ahead of the next season. Westbrook’s contract includes a player option worth approximately $3.3 million for the 2025-26 season, and while he could explore free agency, his injury might affect his market value. Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised Westbrook's defensive impact and overall presence during the playoffs. The veteran’s strong return with Denver has renewed faith in his NBA relevance despite previous struggles with injuries and team changes.