How Would the Kings Benefit from Signing the 2017 NBA MVP
The Sacramento Kings face an intriguing possibility this offseason: the chance to sign veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, who remains a free agent. There’s mutual interest between the Kings and Westbrook, but Sacramento would need to do some roster or salary-cap maneuvering to create the necessary space for him. On paper, Westbrook brings a fierce, high-energy play style perfectly aligned with what new general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie want to establish: a team characterized by toughness and relentless effort night in and night out. Blending Westbrook’s intensity with the Kings’ current collection of talented players like Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and newly acquired veterans could reshape the team’s on-court identity. Even if this addition is short-term, Westbrook could jump in, provide leadership, and help set a standard of sheer competitiveness that might bring long-term dividends.
Russell Westbrook remains an explosive offensive force capable of breaking down defenses with his pace, aggression, and playmaking. He could feasibly share point-guard duties with Dennis Schröder, offering a dynamic one-two punch in the backcourt. Schröder’s steady scoring and Westbrook’s crash-the-rim mentality could keep opposing defenses off balance. His veteran toughness could help anchor the locker room, setting an example for rising talents like Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, both young wings who could benefit from Westbrook’s example of fearless effort. Playing alongside established veterans like Sabonis and Zach LaVine, Westbrook’s experience in high-stakes situations could also be invaluable come playoff time or key late-season matchups. The Kings under Perry and Christie want to build a team identity defined by hard-nosed play, and Westbrook would embody that ethos instantly, providing a foundation they could continue building upon.
Integrating Westbrook would force the Kings to be thoughtful about rotations. Schröder, Westbrook, Murray, Clifford, and other scorers like LaVine and Malik Monk all compete for touches and minutes. Still, that competition could elevate everyone’s game. Sabonis thrives with a high-energy, driving ball-handler alongside him; Westbrook’s penchant for driving and offensive rebounding might create even more opportunities for Sabonis to feast on second chances. For Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, working daily with a relentless competitor like Westbrook could sharpen their instincts, toughness, and confidence, especially as they push for bigger roles. Even if Westbrook’s role is more situational or given in spurts, his sheer will to win and on-court electrifying presence would raise the team’s effort standard each night. Such influence could be just what Perry and Christie need to signal to both fans and the rest of the roster that the Kings’ culture is shifting.
In addition to Westbrook, even on a short-term deal, could be a high-impact move for the Sacramento Kings this upcoming season. With mutual interest between both sides, the only hurdle is making the necessary roster adjustments to create a spot. His unique brand of athleticism, veteran gumption, and unrelenting drive would mesh well with what new GM Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie envision: a team built on toughness, effort, and competitive spirit. Sharing point-guard duties with Schröder and playing alongside experienced stars like Sabonis and LaVine, Westbrook could elevate not only the team’s performance but also its identity. If signed, he wouldn’t just be a veteran fill-in, he’d be a standard-setter whose impact could ripple through the Kings’ young core for years to come.
