As the Sacramento Kings prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season, questions are already surfacing, not about their playoff hopes or new acquisitions, but about how one of their most high-profile signings will handle a reduced role.
According to multiple reports, some within the Kings organization are concerned about how veteran guard Russell Westbrook might react if he’s benched during critical fourth-quarter moments.
Westbrook, entering his 18th NBA season, signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Kings this offseason after a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets. While the move was championed by players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, who reportedly recruited Westbrook to Sacramento, not everyone in the front office was on board.
According to Ahn Fire Digital, some team officials are uneasy about Westbrook’s fit, citing his history of emotional play, inconsistent shooting, and resistance to diminished roles.
The biggest concern? How Westbrook will respond if head coach Doug Christie opts to keep him on the bench during late-game situations. Given the Kings’ depth at guard and Westbrook’s declining efficiency in crunch time, such decisions are likely, especially in close contests.
“Some members of the Kings are worried about how Westbrook will react if he doesn’t finish games in the fourth quarter,” one source told Ahn Fire Digital.
Westbrook has shown flashes of adaptability in recent years, embracing a bench role with the Clippers and Nuggets. However, his fiery competitiveness and pride remain central to his identity. Whether he can fully embrace a supporting role in Sacramento may determine not only his future with the team, but also the team’s chemistry and cohesion.
