Russell Westbrook discovered an NBA workforce after an offseason with out one. He signed with the Sacramento Kings, who had been fascinated by him because the summer time. This has brought on an incendiary response, with Shannon Sharpe desirous to defend Westbrook.
As a former MVP, many discovered it odd that Russell Westbrook was having hassle discovering a workforce for the 2025-26 NBA season. Now that he is signed with the Sacramento Kings, he is lastly joined the workforce.
The California workforce has been fascinated by signing him because the 2025 offseason and at last confirmed the deal a number of weeks earlier than the beginning of the season. Like most information about Westbrook, this brought on some large reactions, together with Brian Windhorst, who referred to as out the previous MVP for realism.
That features Westbrook’s rival-turned-friend Patrick Beverley, who was fast in charge the Los Angeles Lakers for the previous MVP’s struggles. Shannon Sharpe, a distinguished NFL participant turned analyst, defended the Lakers towards Beverley’s accusations.
Westbrook had a formidable season with the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25. Sadly, he would not have been a part of that plan even when he had opted in for the ultimate yr of his Nuggets contract.
Consequently, he was not probably the most enticing participant and would have a tough time discovering a workforce within the league. At 36 years previous, he’s an older participant recognized for his athleticism, which is a giant a part of his recreation.
Fortunately for Westbrook, the Kings by no means wavered of their curiosity. Beverley believes Westbrook’s struggles stem from what occurred throughout his stint in Los Angeles. He hasn’t performed on the highest degree and has acquired criticism, which Beverley believes is unfair.
Sharpe did not like Beverley’s feedback as a result of he all the time thought Westbrook could not do the job with the Lakers.
“I am simply attempting to grasp how the Lakers are accountable? I mentioned this can be a dangerous deal. I mentioned LeBron and Russ will not work collectively. They each want Ball,” Sharp mentioned within the nightcap.
“Ty Lue says, ‘I really like Russ.’ Why did not they (the Clippers) signal him again? He declined his choice with the Nuggets. He (Beverly) talked about a 40 p.c three-point proportion. Are we going to embrace an uncommon season, or are we going to embrace what he is completed within the playoffs from the 3-point line, what he is completed in his profession?”
“He is liable to turnovers, he isn’t an amazing shooter, he isn’t an amazing defender. Yeah, he is a high-energy man and he is all the time going to play onerous, however at this level in his profession, he isn’t what he was.”
The Kings aren’t thought of probably the most thrilling workforce heading into the 2025-26 season. Individuals do not see them as Western Convention opponents. Westbrook might be a game-changer for the workforce as a result of he’s a tradition changer.
With teammates like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings are loaded with expertise. If they will fulfill their potential, the Kings might shock some individuals.
Westbrook will seemingly play as a backup level guard to former teammate Dennis Schroder, so it might be game-changing if the previous MVP’s title is named. Even when he finally ends up on a smaller contract once more, Westbrook will use his elite mentality and play onerous each time.
