DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after dunking the ball against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 03, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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After fans spent most of the off-season wondering if he would be on an NBA roster this year, Russell Westbrook has signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Westbrook has found a home in Sacramento for this season, when it looked doubtful that he would be on a roster on opening night.
Last season Westbrook averaged 13.3 points per game, 6.1 assists per game and 4.9 rebounds per game in 28 minutes per game with the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook is clearly not the player he once was, but he can still potentially provide value to a team in some ways as a reserve player. In Denver he often provided a spark off the bench, and he was able to generate great looks in transition with his urgency after rebounds, and his outlet passing ability.
Last season, 53.4 percent of Westbrooks made field goals were assisted. He also had a career-low 23.8 usage percentage. He is clearly willing to mold his playstyle to fit his surroundings, and take on a lesser role in order to help the team in any way.
The issues in Westbrook’s game that plague him currently is his lack of ability as a perimeter threat. With Westbrook on the floor, teams do not have to respect him as a shooter which in turn leads to more dire conditions for those surrounding him in the half-court. In Sacramento Westbrook will be a reserve guard and with the way their team is currently constructed he was needed in the guard rotation.
Westbrook averaged just 0.64 points per possession as the ball handler in pick n’ rolls last season, so his potential chemistry in this action with Domantas Sabonis is worth questioning. Sacramento was also 20th in transition possessions per game last year, so Westbrook could provide a boost in pace that may help their offense gel more. His fit on this team will not be seamless, but there are certain things that he could help them with.
Headed into his 18th season, Westbrook just needed a team to give him a chance to show he can still add value, and Sacramento gave him that chance.
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