Russell Westbrook hasn’t had a chance to practice with the Sacramento Kings yet, but he is ready to find ways to help the team and the organization in any way he can, he said Sunday during his introductory press conference. Westbrook, now in his 18th season, which is the number he will wear this season for the Kings, brushed off a question about whether this might be his last year in the NBA.
And he answered a question about what intrigues him the most about this Kings roster with: “The doubt that everybody has against us.”
There is plenty of doubt going on around this Kings roster, both locally and within the national landscape, but Westbrook, who confirmed he will play in Wednesday’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns, has dealt with doubt his whole career and embraces it.
He had this to say about Kings fans: “They’ve been loud. They talked a lot of mess to me when I was here, which is great. I take it as a compliment always. But now, being on the home side, I’m looking forward to feeding off their energy, feeding off my energy to get some wins out of it.”
And what is the one thing he wants the fan base and Sacramento community to know about him? That he is a human being.
“I think it’s very important that people understand that I strive to be the best I can possibly be, but I think we are human, we all make mistakes, we all do things. Everybody here made a mistake today, I don’t know what it was, but we did it. I think we’re all human, and I think understanding that and giving the grace that we give each other to me is more important,” Westbrook said.
Watch the full press conference below.
This season may very well be a disaster but just going to embrace how wild it is that Westbrook is a Sacramento King. Like with Carter, the Kings Westbrook jersey is going to be iconic. And now we can retire his jersey!!
Yeah, I mean why not just lean fully into the chaos and enjoy this season for what it is?
That’s where I am at and at least Westbrook is entertaining!
For sure, all of us should go into it not having many expectations at all, then maybe we can be pleasantly surprised….however low the odds that happens are
personally, I always liked the dude. Seems like a solid human. I think he moves the needle the most in terms of attitude for this roster. As Jerry would likely say, “he’s a shit bird”. Not that “he’s got a little shit bird in him”. He’s the ultimate competitor. The dude has passion, confidence through the roof and the level of aggression you would love every player on your team to have. If a little bit of that can rub off on the rest of the guys then it will all be worth it.
yeah, it’s a good signing, especially given where the Kings are right now. With Keegan out, is he a point forward, guarding 4’s?
still remember how a Westbrook dunk would silence an entire college arena. just out of nowhere, so sudden, so loud. could hear a pindrop afterwards.
Heading to Jazz game, season home opener. I figured the Kings will be the closest to 0.500 at this point in the season. Disappointed to not see Keegan or Sabonis, but hopeful Westbrooks enthusiasm on top of DC debut sparks a win. Jazz are a much different team this year, so it won’t be easy.
My question is: With Westbrook leading the second unit at point, how will Monk and Keon split minutes at the 2? Meanwhile other teams waived players Kings could have really used (Mo Bamba, Cam Payne…).
with those three players on the court, Westbrook could be a point forward.
It’s possible, Russ at PF?
Keon can play Sf, even if he doesn’t have the best size for the spot. The question is, once Keeg comes back…who’s the odd man out between Monk, Keon, Russ & Nique. Nique or Russ at the 4? I think it’d be hard to leave Russ out if he’s playin’ well.
I’m looking forward to seeing him on the squad and leadership in the locker room. Demar and Lavine don’t seem like the vocal leader types at all so this is good.
For some reason, I think Westbrook is a good addition. He has kind of matured the last 3-4 seasons and is a better team player now. But, our roster is kind of a disaster area. I went to the preseason game vs. the Clippers and wow, they killed us until the last of theirs and our benches were playing. They have better defenders and more sure-shooters. One player who really impressed was Clifford — on both ends of the court. Jones is pretty good too. One player who stunk was Eubanks and Soric was not much better. Oh, and Dylan Cardwell appears to be a keeper and game free (undrafted FA). We could be looking at less than 30 wins unless something that is not too obvious works out.
For sure, the roster is a collection of really good players, but not much balance. Too many offense first, ball dominant guys who like to attack the basket but aren’t great shooters. DDR, Russ & Schroder are good in the midrange but don’t shoot the 3 well at all. Where are the defenders, size & outside shooters besides Keeg, Keon & Nique?!
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