An anonymous league source challenge Russell Westbrook’s reputation, yet glowing testimonials from Sacramento teammates and coaches paint a different picture of the veteran’s true locker room impact.
The Sacramento Kings' performance last season did not have many bright spots, but veteran point guard Russell Westbrook's play was a positive, as the former NBA MVP far outplayed his veteran minimum contract.
Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 33.8-percent shooting from 3-point range in 64 games for the Kings last season, stepping up for an injury-riddled Sac Town backcourt.
We at KingsRoundtable have kept up with Westbrook, who is once again a free agent this offseason, and where he could potentially land.
In the past few weeks, it has grown more unlikely that the Kings will resign Westbrook, as he will likely command more than the same veteran minimum that Sacramento could offer.
However, a recent report may hurt his value, as an anonymous NBA source has called the nine-time All Star "difficult to coach."
Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson reported that a source close to Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has advised the team to be wary of Westbrook as a teammate, which seems like a stretch.
While Westbrook can be a polarizing figure because of his competitive spirit and fearless attitude, he has been heavily praised as a great locker room presence, with head coach Doug Christie and multiple young Kings players backing this claim.
Back in March, eventual Second-Team All Rookie big man Maxime Raynaud talked about the benefit of learning from Westbrook and what he has brought to the team.
"He talks with me a ton about my play, my confidence and about what comes outside of basketball in the NBA," Raynaud said. "I think he's really one of those guys that helped me flip the switch between college and the league, so I've been very appreciative."
Weeks later, Raynaud called Westbrook "an amazing human being," adding that he is "one of the best vets I could ever hope for."
Christie was a huge fan of Westbrook's play and attitude throughout the season as well, refuting the previous claims made about his veteran point guard.
"You see media and all these different things about Russ, for me none of that is true. People say a lot of different things. He is truly passionate," Christie said back in November. "Basketball is a game of mistakes we all make them. Give me a guy who leans on putting his foot on the gas. He gives you everything that he has and that is what you want."
Energy and effort are a non-negotiable for Westbrook, who plays each game like its his last.
Despite his age and lessened athletic ability, Westbrook has found ways to transform his game and remain effective.
With these comments from Christie, Raynaud, and other players throughout the season about the joy of playing and learning from Westbrook, it seems this NBA source's claims are relatively baseless.
Whichever team Westbrook lands with, expect him to provide a boost to their locker room morale and professionalism.
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