How Did Russell Westbrook End Up in Sacramento? Let’s Talk About It

Brodie is back!

The news dropped today that Russell Westbrook signed a one-year, $3.6 million vet minimum deal with the Sacramento Kings.

And you know what? It’s pure disrespect that it took this long for him to sign with any team, like he’s some type of scrub or something.

Terrible.

Now look, in the words of Jalen Rose, “Keep earnin’ dem checks.” But to be real, I wish Brodie had signed with a contender for his 18th season — not NBA Siberia, aka the Sacramento Kings.

The man deserves another shot at a ring.

Westbrook, who turns 37 in November, is entering his 18th year in the league.

Last season with the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 75 games.

Solid numbers for a vet — and yet he’s treated like he fell off a cliff.

Let’s talk facts:

Westbrook has the most triple-doubles in NBA history (203) — read that again. And he’s one of only two players ever to record 25,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists.

The other one? Some guy named LeBron James.

He’s sitting on 26,205 career points, and needs just 506 more to pass Oscar Robertson as the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history.

Brodie also ranks eighth all-time in assists — and he’s only 75 dimes away from joining the exclusive 10,000-assist club.

And we’re acting like he’s washed? Man, please.

I’ll say this — the disrespect toward respect is at an all-time high. You’re telling me not one contender could’ve used that kind of leadership, energy, and experience?

The dude’s resume is ridiculous:

• 9-time NBA All-Star

• 2017 NBA MVP

• 2x Scoring Champion

• 2x All-Star MVP

• 4 seasons averaging a triple-double (yes, four)

2016-17 (OKC): 31.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 10.4 APG — MVP season

2017-18 (OKC): 25.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 10.3 APG

2018-19 (OKC): 22.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 10.7 APG

2020-21 (WSH): 22.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 11.7 APG

And folks brush off averaging a triple-double like it’s light work. You’re better off trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while frying chicken and watching Power.

Here’s my thing: Russ never deserved the slander he caught post-Lakers. Playing with LeBron can make great players look average — it’s happened before, it’ll happen again.

But the truth is, Russ is one of the last real ones left in the league. He’s played every game with passion, pride, and a chip on his shoulder.

So yeah, seeing him in Sacramento hurts a little. But at least he’s still hooping. Still smiling. Still Brodie.

And if the Kings mess around and make the playoffs again — don’t be shocked if Westbrook gives somebody a quick 25-10-10 and reminds the world exactly who he is.

Respect must be put back on his name.