Following Russell Westbrook's exit from the LA Clippers’ side of California, he expanded his Western Conference adventure to the Denver Nuggets. Teaming up with Nikola Jokic did not change the fact that he is undervalued by the basketball world, and even after he declined his player option to join the Sacramento Kings, his perception remains the same, despite having an exceptional season.
Over 46 games this season, Westbrook has posted 15.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, shooting 43.5% from the field and 35.1% from beyond the arc. This is the best season he has had since he split both sides of Los Angeles in one season in 2022-23, yet the love and credit he has received are at a bare minimum.
If fans of the NBA are going to praise LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Kevin Durant for their longevity, they must make some room for Westbrook as well.
Russell Westbrook’s effort cannot be counted out on the Sacramento Kings
What can the Sacramento Kings count on a nightly basis? Not much, considering they are 12-34, 1.5 games ahead of the 15th seed, and have a roster that has been riddled with losing streak after losing streak.
Unfortunately, there is little hope for the Kings' fanbase to make the playoffs, yet a show that will be repeatedly put on intertwines energy and Russell Westbrook. He has been Sacramento's light this season, and as of late, an all-star-like point guard.
In fact, in four of his last five, Westbrook eclipsed 20 points, and in the process, he was relatively efficient while recording two or more steals on multiple different nights. This is impressive, and how he is doing it is the cherry on top, as if there is a loose ball, best believe the 37-year-old veteran is laying his body on the line and diving for it.
These contributions, given his age, would probably be worth between $10 and $20 million, or possibly more, on the market. What did Westbrook settle for on an offer that was signed just before the regular season? A $3.6 million, veteran-minimum deal.
He deserves more money in his pockets for transforming a losing, meltdown of a situation into the ‘Westbrook Show,’ and more importantly, more attention from the media and NBA community.
It is no secret that Westbrook is not being appreciated as he deserves, and before he hangs up his jersey, there must be a change. He is certainly one of the greatest former LA Clippers still performing at a high level professionally.