A reunion we didn’t know we needed is set to take place in Sacramento.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook has agreed to a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, the team announced Thursday. Malik Monk touched on what to expect from his former teammate.
“I was with him with the Lakers… probably one of the best teammates I had,” Monk told reporters after practice Thursday. “It’s always good to have him around.”
The 36-year-old added value to a talented Denver Nuggets roster last season. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Monk also provided insight on how the veteran point guard will fit in Sacramento.
“I feel like Russ has been playing an undersized four,” Monk said Thursday. “He can guard a four. I think that’ll give us a little more versatility on the offensive and defensive end.”
Dennis Schröder signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kings back in July. Westbrook adds to the Kings’ guard depth, which clearly was a focus this offseason.
“I feel like he’s more outgoing than Dennis,” Monk continued. “Expresses himself way more than Dennis does, I feel like. “Just because he’s been around, and that’s Russ, that’s just how he gets going. He’s been in the league how long? He knows how to play the game, knows how to win. And he’s a competitor, so he’s gonna help us.”
Monk’s high praise for Westbrook demonstrates the impact he has both on and off the court. The pair were only teammates for two seasons, but that didn’t stop Monk from pushing for Westbrook to sign with the Kings.
“I wouldn’t say I was pushing it to the front office, Monk explained. “Me and Deebo were talkin about it, me and Zach were talkin about it, so maybe they heard.”
Westbrook’s resume already has him heading to the Hall of Fame, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
“Another dog,” Monk stated about Westbrook. “Like me, super energetic. I feel like that’ll pick us up too, another one of me out there, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Westbrook and Monk were teammates for only one season in LA, but the bond they formed during that time undoubtedly will enhance the chemistry in Sacramento.
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