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Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has been in the NBA for 18 seasons, creating a roller coaster career that once reached the heights of an NBA MVP and the lows of being the fall guy of disappointing teams toward the latter stages of his career. 

With another season in the books for Westbrook, he remained upbeat about his future in the NBA, saying that he would be playing in the league until the wheels fall off and as long as there is an opportunity to play. 

“I have a bunch of people that support (me) in my entire career, and also a bunch that don’t,” Westbrook opened his statement during the Sacramento Kings’ exit interview with the media. “I think the combination of both and of my family, who have been in my corner throughout my career since Day 1, allows me to be able to keep going until I can’t no more. 

“It’s God willing. If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll play until the end, but I’ll take it year by year. Hopefully, I’ll still play in 2028,” he added. 

Westbrook was drafted fourth in the 2008 NBA Draft by the defunct Seattle Supersonics before its franchise transfer to the OKC Thunder. 

Westbrook played 11 seasons with the Thunder, becoming a legend with the squad and city for his contributions to the community. He then played one season with the Houston Rockets, one season with the Washington Wizards, two seasons with the LA Lakers, two seasons with the LA Clippers, one season with the Denver Nuggets and one season with the Kings. 

He signed a one-year $3.63 million contract with the Kings last October after declining his player option with the Nuggets. 

Westbrook appeared in 64 games, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game with the Kings, whose squad finished the regular season with just 22 wins. 

Russell Westbrook Wants to be in a Place Where he is Desired

GettyRussell Westbrook wants to play on a team that wants him.

Russell Westbrook’s future hinges on a team’s desire to have him in their roster. According to the 18-year veteran, being wanted would be his top priority in choosing his next squad. 

This is even more important to him than playing in a contender and chasing his first-ever NBA championship. 

“There’s so many different things that have to align for you to be able to win a championship in this league,” Westbrook said in the exit interview. “But sometimes you can be in the position, and it don’t work out. That’s it. So for me, it’s just being in a place where I’m wanted, having fun, enjoying the game. To me, that’s what’s important,”

Last year, Westbrook said the reason why he opted out of his player option with the Nuggets was that he did not feel wanted by the team. 

Westbrook was a critical piece for the Nuggets’ playoff run, which ended at the hands of the eventual NBA champions OKC Thunder, in a grueling seven-game Round 2. 

Westbrook Among the Last Remaining Players From the 2008 NBA Draft

GettyRussell Westbrook is among the top players in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Russell Westbrook is among the six remaining players from the 2008 NBA draft. Among them are Kevin Love, Westbrook’s teammate in UCLA, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, Nicolas Batum, and DeAndre Jordan. 

Love played this season with the Utah Jazz, Brook Lopez and Nic Batum with the Clippers, and Eric Gordon with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

If Westbrook returns next season, he would be among some of the greatest players that played in 19 years with the NBA, among whom are Tim Duncan, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Carmelo Anthony.