As the NBA buyout deadline looms, the Sacramento Kings face a pivotal decision: should they part ways with Russell Westbrook, giving the seasoned star a chance at a playoff run?
On The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, the topic sparked lively debate. Dave expressed a desire to see Westbrook waived, highlighting his contributions alongside Max Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell as standout moments for the team.
Initially skeptical of Westbrook’s signing, Dave admitted, “When the Kings signed him, I thought it might be a disaster. But he’s proven me wrong, showing hustle and dedication reminiscent of his early days with OKC.”
Westbrook, now 37, has transitioned from backup to starting point guard, outperforming expectations. His stats-15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game-reflect his consistent impact on the court.
Jason Ross praised Westbrook’s professionalism and influence in the locker room, which has been invaluable for the team. However, Dave believes it may be time for a shift.
“He’s not part of the future,” Dave noted. “It’s about developing players like Nique Clifford and Devin Carter.”
With Sacramento holding the league’s worst record at 14-47, the focus is on growth rather than immediate wins. And for Westbrook, who’s yet to capture an NBA title, playing meaningful games elsewhere might be more fitting.
Ross suggested exploring league interest as a potential win-win. “If there’s a playoff team interested, it’s beneficial for everyone,” he said. But without such interest, releasing Westbrook serves little purpose.
Recent games have illustrated this point. In one loss, Westbrook dominated the ball, while another victory saw young talents like Carter and Clifford shine, hinting at a future-oriented approach.
The Kings wrap up their road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. They’ve split the season series so far, with a notable win powered by DeMar DeRozan’s 32 points.
Catch all the action on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 5:00 PM PT.