Russell Westbrook has never shied away from a challenge, and his latest stop in Sacramento is no different. The 36-year-old guard has officially joined the Kings on a one-year deal, and if his first media session is anything to go by, hes bringing that trademark fire with him.
It feels great, truly, Westbrook told NBC Sports Bay Areas Angelina Martin. Im blessed to be able to have an opportunity to play and enjoy a place that wanted me to come here. So Im grateful for that.
After four months of uncertainty in free agency, Westbrook found his new home in Northern California.
I dont know how it all came together so quickly, Westbrook said. But obviously I have a lot of friends and guys Ive played with on this team before. Not just that, but also an organization that [my agent] had been in contact with, trying to figure out ways to make it happen. With salary cap and all these different rules that Ive come to learn things just kind of meshed together that way. And Im here now.
Now entering Year 18, symbolized by the No. 18 hell wear in Sacramento, Westbrook is fully aware of the noise that surrounds him.
To be honest, its really been like this my whole career, he said. Its nothing new, unfortunately. Im grateful and blessed for the doubt, the if I can and will play. I know what Im capable of when given the opportunity. So when the season starts, Im going to do what Ive always done and compete. Theres going to be people who love it. Theres going to be people who hate it. Thats life for me. I didnt make it 18 years on accident.
The nine-time All-Star and former MVP averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds last season with Denver. But in Sacramento, hes not just focused on numbers, hes focused on impact.
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