After a summer time of uncertainty, Russell Westbrook has an NBA workforce for the 2024-25 season.
Russell Westbrook left the Denver Nuggets this summer time to pursue one other alternative within the league, however as the beginning of the season drew nearer, that regarded like an enormous blunder.
Reviews advised that Westbrook could sign up China as a consequence of a scarcity of curiosity across the NBA, however ultimately, he signed with the Sacramento Kings on a one-year deal.
Westbrook is without doubt one of the hottest figures across the NBA, however he makes for a tough teammate on the courtroom. His heliocentric type means the ball must be in his fingers for him to be at his finest, and his relentless vitality can result in brash decision-making down the stretch.
However rookie guard Nique Clifford defined how the signing of Westbrook has already modified the vitality in Sacramento.
Clifford was drafted twenty fourth total within the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6’6” guard might be sharing the backcourt with Westbrook all through the upcoming season.
He stated that he has already seen a shift within the vitality in Sacramento after the Kings signed Westbrook, who was certainly one of his favourite gamers rising up.
He stated, “It’s been wonderful. Russ has already modified the vitality a little bit bit. He got here in right this moment, simply within the movie room, and there was vitality there, good vibes. You would simply inform, even at shootaround, he simply brings a degree of vitality we’d like as a workforce shifting ahead.
“Tremendous excited to have a man like that. He was certainly one of my favourite gamers rising up. I received a UCLA jersey of his. It’s fairly particular to have him on the workforce.”
Westbrook was a key piece for the Nuggets final season, serving to Denver beat the Los Angeles Clippers with energetic performances within the first spherical of the playoffs.
In a aggressive Western Convention, the Kings don’t have reasonable hopes of contending. However the influence that Westbrook can have in instilling the best mentality and work ethic into gamers like Clifford is priceless for the workforce shifting ahead.
Clifford isn’t the one Westbrook fan in Sacramento. His head coach, Doug Christie, additionally admitted that he’s been a fan of the 2017 NBA MVP for quite a few years.
Getting into his first full 12 months as an NBA head coach, Christie defined what Westbrook brings to the workforce.
He stated, “I’ve been a Russell Westbrook fan for a very long time. Once I was on radio, I used to take a variety of hits as a result of individuals would name in and be saying no matter, and I used to be like, ‘You guys simply don’t perceive basketball.’
“I imply, his numbers and the issues he’s been in a position to do on this league, I believe, converse for themselves. A Corridor of Famer. One of many best attributes once I’m watching him is the depth at which he performs with and the hassle in what he brings to the sport. I really respect it.”
Westbrook is clearly coming right into a scenario the place he’s beloved and revered. His phrases will carry weight within the locker room, so his management function on the workforce could possibly be invaluable as a coach on the courtroom.
