Year after year, talks revolve around legacy. NBA players are inclined to choose winning over comfort. But for Russell Westbrook , the system almost ostracised him before the Sacramento Kings stepped in. The former MVP isn't drawn towards enhancing his already stacked resume. Brodie wants to feel like he belongs.
"There's so many different things that have to align for you to be able to win a championship in this league… But sometimes you can be in the position and it don't work out. That's it. So for me, it's just being in a place where I'm wanted, having fun, enjoying the game. To me, that's what's important," Westbrook said during his exit interview for the Kings.
There's no question about Westbrook's impact at 37. He averaged close to 16 points and led the Kings in assists despite their dismal campaign. It's the feeling of the franchise truly wanting Westbrook's services that made his season a success. This wasn't a resurgence, but a modern-day legend saying he's still got plenty in his tank.
However, whatever it is that's left, Russell Westbrook doesn't necessarily want to direct it towards winning a championship. He did so with the Lakers , and his entire reputation took a dip. It wasn't enjoyable for Russ, who became a villain in the eyes of the team he supported growing up. Since then, he's proven to still be a reliable contributor.
Westbrook's time with the Clippers and the Denver Nuggets showed that teams can count on him on the biggest stage. If not production, they know Westbrook will compete till his legs fall off. And having that license to be erratic and unapologetically himself is what Russ enjoys more than anything.
Basketball is a field of expression for him. Westbrook doesn't want to be bestowed with expectations. He wants to enjoy the purity of the game, and let his competitive drive dictate his success. His legacy was laughed at after a poor run for the Lakers. So he isn't behind the ring culture anymore.
For a player of Westbrook's caliber, he could easily play a part in winning. He's still explosive and can operate well as a floor general. But there's something the Sacramento Kings offer that no other team really could. It's the chance to be a leader, something that comes naturally to Westbrook.
"Leadership is probably, to me, one of the best traits that I really enjoy the most because you can see it. From year to year, I've had many young players that I've been with come to me five to 10 years later and tell me moments that helped them throughout the process. Anytime I'm able to have an opportunity to be able to do that, I look forward to it. If that's here, I embrace it and look forward to doing that, especially with the young guys we have here," Brodie said.
One doesn't have to look far. Just ask Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud . The center benefited immensely from having a veteran floor general in Russell Westbrook . The rookie credited him for 'setting the tone' in the locker room without compromising the atmosphere around the team. Despite winning only 22 games, the locker room was immaculate. Westbrook's constant communication and spirited demeanor majorly led to that.
And it's not just Raynaud. The Kings have a number of young players, such as Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford , who could continue to benefit from Westbrook's advice. Obviously, with an eye to improving, the Kings may decide to ship off their veterans. That includes DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine .
But Russell Westbrook comes at a bargain. He could prove to be the bridge between the franchise's transition. Even DeRozan has spoken highly about Westbrook as a teammate. It's clear that the players want him there. The question really is, how does the organization want to move forward?
Where do you feel Westbrook could fit in best? Let us know your views in the comments below.
