Russell Westbrook Is Here To Change “Doubt” About Sacramento Kings
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Oct. 19, Russell Westbrook met with the local press three days after signing a reportedly 1-year, $3.6 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. Yes, he was wearing a No. 18 uniform to start that many seasons in the NBA.
One of the quips that stood out, a question asked by KCRA sports reporter-anchor Michelle Dapper, was what he intends to do while playing for the Kings and what ‘intrigues’ him about the team’s roster.
“The doubt that everybody has against us,” Westbrook replied. 🎙️
It was March 15, 2007, when Russell Westbrook first appeared at Arco Arena in the first round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. He was a sophomore with the UCLA Bruins, who beat Weber State and Indiana in the second round. Westbrook played with the likes of Lorenzo Mata, Josh Shipp, Aaron Afflalo, and Darren Collison.
Roll up 17 years later, the former NBA Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star guard Westbrook will lend his talent in a place that has not always been kind to him as an opposing player. Albeit, it’s water under the bridge and he’s ready to start this journey.
“It feels great. Truly blessed to have an opportunity to be able to play, enjoy a place that wanted me to come here,” Westbrook said. “I’m grateful that.” 🎙
According to a press release by the Kings, Westbrook spent the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 75 games (36 starts). He ranked 18th in assists and 19th in steals per game and finished last season 13th in both total assists (457) and steals (106).
The 17-year NBA veteran joins Sacramento with a resume that includes the 2016-2017 League MVP award, nine All-NBA honors (two-time 1st Team, five-time 2nd Team, two-time 3rd Team), nine All-Star appearances and two All-Star game MVPs, while also being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021-22. Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (203) and previously led the League in scoring (2014-15, 2016-17) and assists (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21).
“Russell embodies the identity we’re striving for in Sacramento,” said Kings General Manager Scott Perry. “His resume speaks for itself and I’m excited to work with someone so accomplished, who is fully committed to competing and winning. We expect him to strengthen our point guard position and provide leadership both on and off the court.” 🎙
West brook said he and Perry had a discussion about changing the Kings culture, but did not expand further on the tête-à-tête.
“We did, we did,” Westbrook said smiling about his talk with Perry. 🎙
PUBLIC RECORD
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.T. Ray Harvey | Public Information Officer
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— Footage, photo, and text by Tony Ray Harvey
Sacramento Kings Practice Facility
.10 .19 .2025
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