Westbrook expresses gratitude for his Kings season and hints at a reunion, with the team also open to his return.
Despite the Sacramento Kings' disappointing season, nine-time All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook thanked the organization for giving him an opportunity and expressed his interest in a potential reunion.
"I mean, honestly, I didn't have a job until a couple days before the season. So I had no expectations of what it could be," Westbrook said in his postseason press conference on Tuesday. "I was just blessed and thankful to have an opportunity to be able to start another NBA season."
Westbrook, who's 37, was one of the last free agents on the market last year before signing with Sacramento on a one-year, veteran's-minimum deal.
The former MVP played well above his pay grade, posting his best statistical season in four years. 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.
Westbrook expressed gratitude for a healthy season and says he feels good about his individual performance.
"I feel good about how the year went, at least for me personally. Made it through healthy, so I'm blessed to be able to do that and get through a season healthy," Westbrook said. "Especially at this age and years in the league. So, grateful for that."
Following his standout year, Westbrook's time on the free-agent market will likely be much shorter than last offseason. But both he and Kings general manager Scott Perry have expressed interest in his return to Sacramento.
"If I'm welcome back, then I'll be back," Westbrook said.
Perry who addressed the media on Wednesday, said, "Russell is always welcome with me. I loved working with Russell Westbrook this year. I mean, he was phenomenal. I can't say enough."
Outside of Westbrook's on-court production, his veteran leadership and experience were crucial to the development of some of the Kings' brightest young players.
Rookie center Maxime Raynaud, who has made a strong case for the NBA's All-Rookie Team consideration, credited Westbrook for being a guiding light for him in his first season.
"He talks with me a ton about my play, my confidence and about what comes outside of basketball in the NBA," Raynaud said in early March. "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."
Veteran forward DeMar DeRozan also had nothing but praise for one of the Association's all-time greats , saying playing alongside him was one of the highlights of his career.
"Playing with Russell Westbrook is one of the favorite moments of my career. I appreciate him more than he’ll ever know," DeRozan said. "If he gets into a fight with 10 elephants, I’d fight with him. That’s my dawg."
Westbrook has earned another, perhaps bigger contract for next season, and the Kings should look to be the ones to offer it. Especially if they plan on drafting a young, talented point guard like Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings or Keaton Wagler in the upcoming NBA draft.
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