In some ways, adding Russell Westbrook to your NBA team makes you the equivalent of today’s Tobias Funke. “Did it work for those people?” meme. But the Denver Nuggets, seeking their second title in three years, are convinced that Westbrook – especially his competitive attitude – could be exactly what they ordered to lift them out of a period of quiet stagnation.

On Monday, as the Nuggets’ season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder loomed Thursday night, Denver head coach Michael Malone said Westbrook was brutally competitive in practice against the other Nuggets.

Apparently, Westbrook has even gotten under the skin of the notoriously quiet Nuggets, as his “(expletive) talking” approach has actually been contagious.

(Warning: NSFW language in the tweet and video below.)

Aside from on-court fitness, approaching games the way Westbrook does is something the Nuggets probably really need to get out of their perceived rut. Nikola Jokic’s gang has never been one to wear its heart on its sleeve. That’s helpful from a measured, even perspective, but it probably has its drawbacks if everyone is dreading a long car ride in the dead of winter.

Westbrook’s injection of energy and fire already seems like a welcome addition to Denver’s mix.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Michael Malone said Russell Westbrook’s ‘(expletive) talk’ is contagious for quiet Nuggets