Amid a forgettable season of Sacramento Kings basketball, it’s not all that surprising that Russell Westbrook–a future Hall of Fame guard–has been the team’s best player.
Westbrook, now 37 years old and in his 18th NBA season, has been remarkably productive for a Sacramento team that currently owns the worst record in the Western Conference.
Over 63 appearances (57 starts), Westbrook is averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists—his best all-around numbers since the 2022-23 season—and ranks fifth in the league with six triple-doubles. On a team that has struggled to find direction, his effort and consistency have stood out, even with losses piling up.
As far as the future is concerned, the Kings will enter an important offseason as they look to build a better product, one that could see the franchise select a guard in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
For those who are wondering if Westbrook could don a Sacramento Kings jersey for a second season in 2026-27, The Athletic‘s Sam Amick says it’s a tough question to answer.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
More on Russell Westbrook & the Kings
During an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, Amick laid his thoughts on Russell Westbrook’s time with the Kings and what the future could hold for the two sides.
“The Westbrook one is…that’s a tough conversation,” Amick said. “It felt to me like the undercurrent was this conversation about his individual accomplishments…juxtaposed with what’s best for the organization. I think that’s the conversation that is uncomfortable.”
That tension defines Sacramento’s current dilemma. Westbrook has been, in Amick’s words, “phenomenal this year,” playing with full intensity despite the team’s place in the standings.
His leadership has also been evident, particularly with young players like Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, both of whom have praised the future Hall of Famer’s presence. Raynaud’s recent breakout performances have even come with Westbrook consistently setting him up.
Yet, Amick made it clear that sentiment and production don’t necessarily guarantee a return.
“The assumption around the league has been that Westbrook wouldn’t be back,” Amick said. “I don’t know that we can make that assumption 100% sure.”
(Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
That uncertainty is rooted in Sacramento’s broader priorities. With a pivotal offseason ahead, the Kings must decide whether keeping a veteran like Russell Westbrook aligns with their long-term goals—or if those minutes are better spent developing younger talent or integrating a potential high draft pick.
Sacramento already has Devin Carter, the 13th pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, under contract for next season, a player who has looked solid in limited minutes over the past month.
If the ping pong balls go their way during May’s Draft Lottery, they could land in a spot to draft one of the top college guards in June, like Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., or Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
“It’s going to be one that’s going to be…volatile when it comes to the reaction,” Amick added, noting the passionate fan base Westbrook brings with him. “Especially if you get in the way of a prize prospect.”
Check out the full interview with Sam Amick by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon when they face the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a game that has NBA Draft Lottery implications.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 3:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 24th – @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 26th – @ Orlando Magic – 4:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 28th – @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 29th @ Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
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