Throughout his NBA career, Russell Westbrook has shown that he doesn’t shy away from big moments and intense responsibilities.
At the start of the season, the Sacramento Kings may need to rely on him and his diehard, nonstop motor. With injuries already adding up, it may be time for the Kings to unleash Westbrook and see what he can do.
The Kings should let Westbrook start…for now
On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, Tim Bontemps made a fair point that’s hard to argue against: Westbrook should be a starter for Sacramento.
It’s not because he’s so reliable or because he will put up buzzer beaters, but because Westbrook will be able to rebound and guard. That’s more important than ever because both Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray are out with injuries.
Yes, many Kings fans note that Westbrook alongside Dennis Schroder might feel redundant, but it’s not as outlandish as it seems. With Westbrook, the team has some size and consistent energy and speed. And his rebounding skills really cannot be emphasized enough. He has continually shown that he’s one of the best rebounding guards in the league. After all, you don’t earn as many triple-doubles as he has without the ability to secure the ball.
Schroder, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan—confirmed starters—aren’t superb rebounders, so Westbrook could pick up the slack left by Murray and Sabonis.
It’s really the perfect time for Doug Christie to try out this approach because the season is just getting started. The team will have time to find its footing and Westbrook will be eager to set the tempo and make a point. He wants to prove to the Kings and the rest of the league that signing him was a smart call. So, what better way than becoming a fierce rebounding and blocking machine?
Speaking of tempo, starting Westbrook would help with that too. He has many faults, but lacking energy levels has never been one of them. By starting, he can inject speed and energy into the team from the opening seconds.
From his passing to his rebounding, Westbrook can do more than score. In fact, his focus should be on faciliating rather than putting up his own shots. If he really is ready to fill any role the Kings need, this would be the chance.
Christie has options and he may not choose to put Westbrook alongside Schroder in the starting five. But this might be the right idea at the right time. Injuries are already presenting problems for the Kings, but they could be creating opportunities too.
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