“It was like nine o’clock the other night before we played, I was on the table in the treatment room, and he walks in, and he didn’t even have to say a word,” Drew Eubanks described the energy of new teammate Russell Westbrook. “You could just feel the energy in the treatment room shift.”
Westbrook joined the Sacramento Kings one day prior to Friday’s preseason finale, but did not suit up for that game in Los Angeles.
Yet, his well-documented, intense, and relentless demeanor is already making an impact. The status of being a former MVP, nine-time All-NBA and All-Star player, two-time scoring champion, and a member of the NBA’s 7th Anniversary Team makes it easy to understand why Westbrook is one of the most popular players of his generation.
It almost felt as if Eubanks was describing the aura that Westbrook exudes, raising the room’s expectations on and off the court.
The 36-year-old ranks 23rd on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list (five spots ahead of DeMar DeRozan), eighth in total assists, and 73rd in rebounds at just 6’4. It helps that he has already played with Dennis Schroder (twice), Malik Monk, Doug McDermott, and was Domantas Sabonis’s veteran when he was drafted to Oklahoma City.
His resume and perspective are appreciated in his early days with the new team.
Rookie Nique Clifford said Westbrook was one of his favorite players growing up, owning one of his UCLA jerseys.
“It’s been amazing,” Clifford said after Friday’s preseason win.
“Russ has already kind of changed the energy a little bit,” he continued. “He came in today, just in the film room, and just was energy there, good vibes. And you could just tell, even at shoot around, he just brings a level of energy that we need as a team moving forward. So super excited to have a guy like that.”
Between Westbrook, DeRozan, LaVine, Sabonis, and Schroder, the Kings have plenty of veteran experience to lean on and use to aid their young talent.
They’re all players who are more than willing to help guide others while also expected to have notable on-court production in the process.
“We just want Russ to be Russ,” Kings head coach Doug Christie said.
Westbrook plans to play his first game for Sacramento during Wednesday’s regular-season debut against the Suns in Phoenix.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
Following a long offseason that culminated with the recent signing of nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, the Sacramento Kings have announced their roster for Opening Night.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s season-opener against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento revealed a roster that has two surefire Hall of Famers (possibly more?), multiple-time All-Stars, and a crop of young players who are looking to burst onto the scene in 2025-26.
Here’s the full Sacramento Kings roster for the start of the 2025-26 season:
Sacramento Kings announce 2025-26 Opening Night Roster
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will tip off the 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday night when they face Devin Booker and the Suns in Phoenix.
Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Suns action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Phoenix.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT (Season Opener)
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT
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