After a summer season of uncertainty, Russell Westbrook has assembled an NBA crew for the 2024-25 season.
Russell Westbrook left the Denver Nuggets this summer season to pursue new alternatives within the league, nevertheless it appeared like an enormous mistake because the season approached.
Experiences recommended that Westbrook would possibly signal with China on account of lack of curiosity from the NBA, however he ended up signing a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook is among the hottest guys within the NBA, however he is a troublesome teammate on the courtroom. His heliocentric model means he must have the ball in his fingers to be at his finest, and his relentless power can result in rash selections in the long run.
However rookie guard Neek Clifford defined how signing Westbrook has already modified the power in Sacramento.
Clifford was chosen twenty fourth general within the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6 guard will share the backcourt with Westbrook all through subsequent season.
He stated he is already seen a change within the power in Sacramento after the Kings signed Westbrook. Westbrook has been one among his favourite gamers since he was a child.
He stated, “It has been nice. Russ has already modified the power a little bit bit. He simply got here into the movie room at this time and there was power there, good vibes. You may see within the shootaround that he brings the extent of power that we want as a crew transferring ahead.”
“I am so excited to have a participant like that. He is been one among my favourite gamers since I used to be a child. I obtained his UCLA jersey. It’s totally particular to have him on the crew.”
Westbrook was a key piece for the Nuggets final season, serving to Denver defeat the Los Angeles Clippers with a spirited efficiency within the first spherical of the playoffs.
The Kings haven’t any life like hope of competing within the aggressive Western Convention. However the affect Westbrook has in instilling the fitting mentality and work ethic in gamers like Clifford will probably be priceless for the crew transferring ahead.
Clifford is not the one Westbrook fan in Sacramento. His head coach, Doug Christie, additionally admitted that he’s a longtime fan of the 2017 NBA MVP.
Christie, who’s in his first full yr as an NBA head coach, defined what Westbrook brings to the crew.
He stated, “I have been a Russell Westbrook fan for a very long time. Once I was on the radio, I used to get hits as a result of folks would name me up and say no matter. I used to be like, ‘You guys do not perceive basketball.’
“So I feel his numbers and what he is performed on this league communicate for themselves. He is a Corridor of Famer. One of many greatest issues after I take a look at him is the depth of his play and the trouble he brings to the sport. I actually respect that.”
Westbrook is clearly at a degree the place he is cherished and revered. His phrases carry weight within the locker room, so his management position throughout the crew as an on-court coach could possibly be invaluable.
