Zach Randolph urges the triple-double king to come out of retirement, arguing the veteran's high-octane energy perfectly fits the Miami Heat's vacant roster spot for a championship push.
MIAMI, Fla. – As the Miami Heat’s media day is a week away, the last standard roster spot remains vacant, but recently on the Out the Mud Podcast, two-time All-Star and 17-year league veteran Zach Randolph believes the team should sign Russell Westbrook.
“This man was supposed to be in the league for another 3-4 years at least. I'd like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday. He might be back.”
Westbrook announced his retirement from professional basketball this summer in mid-August. The nine-time All-Star capped an 18-year career with the Sacramento Kings last season. Westbrook averaged 15.2 points on 42.7 percent shooting, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 64 games (58 starts).
Along with being the league’s all-time triple-doubles leader (209 total), the 37-year-old was a two-time scoring champ, nine-time All-NBA selection, two-time All-Star MVP, three-time assist champion, and won the MVP in the 2016-17 season. Westbrook averaged a career-best 31.6 points on 42.5 percent shooting, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 81 games (all starts).
It was one of four seasons of averaging a triple-double during the regular season.
Although Westbrook’s athleticism and explosiveness aren’t the same anymore, he can still be an impactful rotation player and veteran. In the 2024-25 (Los Angeles Clippers) and 2025-26 (Denver Nuggets) seasons, the former lottery pick finished in the top 10 of Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Given the Heat’s eventful offseason, a true backup point guard is viewed as a need. As Davion Mitchell is the projected starter, Dru Smith and Tre Donaldson (two-way) are behind him. Westbrook has a rich resume as a playmaker, along with playing alongside a lengthy superstar. He could be an immediate fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, but there’s been no hint of a return from a very short retirement.
The Kings and Washington Wizards were reportedly the only teams to offer Westbrook a contract this summer in free agency. Neither situation translated to immediate championship contention. Westbrook could have reunited with 10-time All-Star and former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis in the nation’s capital.
However, retirement was the route.
Westbrook is one of the most energetic players in league history. There can never be a question about his efforts. Even if Westbrook were still available as a free agent, the Heat had more than enough of a chance to offer a contract. No reports indicate there were conversations. Westbrook gets to enjoy retirement and the Heat are preparing to compete in a loaded Eastern Conference for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
