Russell Westbrook's eventual farewell season of his legendary NBA career with the Sacramento Kings turned out to be an impressive and commendable one.
Joining Sactown Sports 1140, Sam Amick of The Athletic shared that Westbrook's season with the Kings is a considerable standout, as he primarily embraced the role of the team's veteran presence.
"To the King's credit, you know, I think the King's chapter for Russ officially goes down as a positive experience," the NBA insider said. "Yes, there were a few media moments at the end, and if we were a tougher media market, we might have pointed out that I think Russ broke the media rules like 70% of the time and didn't talk to anybody, right?
"But, you know, whatever. He is a legend. He was on the back end. He was a good mentor to the young guys. So, interesting from a couple angles with him saying goodbye."
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Russell Westbrook ends NBA career in a positive Kings season
Russell Westbrook capped off his NBA career with a final stop with the Sacramento Kings, spending the 2025-26 season with the Western Conference team.
Averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 64 appearances, he remained productive at age 37 and was welcomed by the Kings franchise and its fanbase.
In fact, before announcing his retirement, reports suggested that Westbrook still earned contract offers from the Kings and the Washington Wizards as a free agent. That interest stems from the team's fond consideration of him as a vital presence in the development of new franchise star Darius Acuff Jr.
In the end, while a reunion did not truly happened, the Kings are fully appreciative of Westbrook's contributions and decision to spend his last NBA season in Sacramento.
"To go back to the Kings thing, I am happy for his sake that, again, not that there was nothing, but there was almost nothing. Coaching staff raved about him, front office raved about him. The teammate stuff was mostly really good. He came to the defense, even the media stuff, he was coming to the defense at times of some of the younger players," Amick added.
"So the Kings thing was better."