Westbrook Reflects on Nuggets Exit After Loss

Following a narrow 130-124 defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook shared his thoughts on why he chose not to re-sign with Denver during the offseason. After a strong performance, where he tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, Westbrook stated, "The truth is that they didn't want me back. It ain't up to me. ... God always has a plan, be patient. Not up to me. They don't want me, that's okay. Somebody else do."

Westbrook revealed that he had the option to exercise a player option to stay with the Nuggets, but chose not to after the organization advised him against it. "They told me not to [exercise my option]," he explained. "I don't go anywhere I'm not wanted. I don't need to."

The former MVP and nine-time All-Star, now 36 years old, has shifted his role in recent years, coming off the bench for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers. Though he started only 36 of the 75 games he played for Denver last season, Westbrook maintained respectable averages of 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, finishing seventh in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting for the second consecutive year.

During the playoffs, Westbrook proved to be a valuable asset, contributing 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, even as his shooting struggled at 39.1% from the field. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, retaining their core of stars Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun, have made several roster changes that seem to be paying off, as they currently hold a 4-2 record.

In stark contrast, the Kings have had a tough start, sitting at 2-5, with Westbrook averaging 11.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Although the first matchup between Westbrook and his former team resulted in a loss, fans can look forward to a rematch when the Kings host the Nuggets on November 11.