After a hard-fought match against the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook shed light on his offseason decision. Following a 130-124 defeat on Monday night, he expressed his thoughts on why he opted not to re-sign with the Nuggets.
Westbrook on Nuggets’ Decision
Westbrook reflected on his situation, revealing that the Nuggets made it clear they did not want him back. He stated, “The truth is that they didn’t want me back. It ain’t up to me. God always has a plan, be patient.” This decision was not entirely in his hands, as he indicated that the organization advised him against exercising his player option.
Statistics and Performance
During the game, Westbrook showcased his skills with a remarkable performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing six assists. His ability to contribute remains evident, even as he transitions into a reserve role. In his last season with the Nuggets, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.
- Age: 36 years
- NBA All-Star Appearances: 9
- NBA MVP Title: 1
- 2023 Playoff Average: 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists
- 2024-25 Season: 36 starts out of 75 games
- Shooting Percentage: 44.9%
Nuggets’ Roster Changes
The Nuggets have made significant roster changes ahead of the new season. Key moves include:
- Acquiring Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.
- Trading Dario Šarić to the Kings for Jonas Valančiūnas.
- Signing Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Bringing back Bruce Brown, vital in their 2023 championship run.
The Nuggets currently hold a record of 4-2 and are positioned as strong contenders in the Western Conference.
Kings’ Struggles
Meanwhile, the Kings are grappling with their performance, suffering a 2-5 start to the season. Westbrook is averaging 11.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. The first matchup with his former team resulted in a loss, but both teams are expected to face off again on November 11.
