Sacramento Kings depth chart as Russell Westbrook finally agrees to a deal: Will former MVP start?

It was disheartening for fans across the NBA to not find Russell Westbrook on the Media Day for the first time in almost a decade. With just days remaining to kickstart the 2025-26 NBA season, Westbrook has finally signed with the Sacramento Kings. However, Westbrook's role with the Kings is still a big question among fans.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania announced that the Kings have signed Westbrook for the upcoming season. The team has not yet revealed the details of the contract.

Last season, Russell Westbrook played with the Denver Nuggets and had a player option for the 2024-25 season. However, he rejected the offer, and since then, he hasn't received an offer from any NBA team except the Kings.

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As Westbrook enters his 18th NBA season, he is still better than a lot of players at his position. Last year, in 75 games, Westbrook recorded 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in just 28 minutes.

Here is the updated depth chart of the Nuggets after signing Westbrook.

Sacramento Kings Updated Depth Chart

Sacramento Kings projected starting lineup after signing Russell Westbrook: Will the former MVP start?

Even at this stage of his career, Russell Westbrook can become the best point guard on the roster. He is one of the rare true point guards the league has ever seen. However, the chances of him starting the game are very thin.

Kings' coach Doug Christie seems to have made up his mind to start Dennis Schroder as his starting point guard. In the last few years, the German player has proved that he can be a great ball handler and a good scorer.

Keegan Murray, who was a crucial part of the Kings' starting lineup, is out for at least a month with a thumb injury. His absence could have opened a spot for Westbrook. However, Christie is more likely to include Keon Ellis at the shooting guard position. Ellis is a great shooter and an excellent defender.

Here is the potential starting lineup for the Kings for the 2025-26 regular season.

PG - Dennis Schroder | SG - Keon Ellis | SF - Zach LaVine | PF - DeMar DeRozan | C - Domantas Sabonis

For his 18th season, Westbrook is expected to replace Dennis Schroder in the second lineup. However, Doug Christie might soon reveal his plan for the future Hall of Fame player.

Edited by Nandjee Ranjan