{"id":16198,"date":"2025-10-21T17:27:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/16198\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T17:27:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:27:10","slug":"russell-westbrook-brings-a-different-energy-to-sacramento","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/16198\/","title":{"rendered":"Russell Westbrook brings a ‘different energy’ to Sacramento"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt was like nine o\u2019clock the other night before we played, I was on the table in the treatment room, and he walks in, and he didn\u2019t even have to say a word,\u201d Drew Eubanks described the energy of new teammate Russell Westbrook. \u201cYou could just feel the energy in the treatment room shift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Westbrook joined the Sacramento Kings one day prior to Friday\u2019s preseason finale, but did not suit up for that game in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 7th Anniversary Team makes it easy to understand why Westbrook is one of the most popular players of his generation.<\/p>\n

It almost felt as if Eubanks was describing the aura that Westbrook exudes, raising the room\u2019s expectations on and off the court.<\/p>\n

\"YouTube<\/p>\n

The 36-year-old ranks 23rd on the NBA\u2019s All-Time scoring list (five spots ahead of DeMar DeRozan), eighth in total assists, and 73rd in rebounds at just 6\u20194. It helps that he has already played with Dennis Schroder (twice), Malik Monk, Doug McDermott, and was Domantas Sabonis\u2019s veteran when he was drafted to Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n

His resume and perspective are appreciated in his early days with the new team.<\/p>\n

Rookie Nique Clifford said Westbrook was one of his favorite players growing up, owning one of his UCLA jerseys.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been amazing,\u201d Clifford said after Friday\u2019s preseason win.<\/p>\n

\"YouTube<\/p>\n

\u201cRuss has already kind of changed the energy a little bit,\u201d he continued. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Between Westbrook, DeRozan, LaVine, Sabonis, and Schroder, the Kings have plenty of veteran experience to lean on and use to aid their young talent.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re all players who are more than willing to help guide others while also expected to have notable on-court production in the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just want Russ to be Russ,\u201d Kings head coach Doug Christie said.<\/p>\n

Westbrook plans to play his first game for Sacramento during Wednesday\u2019s regular-season debut against the Suns in Phoenix.<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ahead of Wednesday night\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the full Sacramento Kings roster for the start of the 2025-26 season:<\/p>\n

Sacramento Kings announce 2025-26 Opening Night Roster<\/a><\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

Sacramento will tip off the 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday night when they face Devin Booker and the Suns in Phoenix.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0The Drive Guys\u00a0before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Phoenix.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Wednesday, October 22nd\u00a0\u2013 @ Phoenix Suns \u2013 7 PM PT (Season Opener)
\nFriday, October 24th\u00a0\u2013 vs. Utah Jazz \u2013 7 PM PT
\nSunday, October 26th\u00a0\u2013 vs. Los Angeles Lakers \u2013 6 PM PT
\nTuesday, October 28th\u00a0\u2013 @ Oklahoma City Thunder \u2013 5 PM PT
\nWednesday, October 29th\u00a0\u2013 @ Chicago Bulls \u2013 5 PM PT<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

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