The Sacramento Kings are only 11 games into the season, and the whole thing feels like a wash already. That doesn't mean it's time to give up. The Kings could still put in a respectable showing in 2025-2026 simply by benching Dennis Schroder and starting Russell Westbrook.
How the Kings ended up in this position is kind of crazy. Even though it feels like a lifetime has passed, it wasn't that long ago that Sacramento had two of the best young point guards in the league in De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. Now, they're both playing somewhere else.
This left Sacramento hunting for a new starting point guard in the offseason, ultimately landing on Dennis Schroder. Then, the team decided to bring some depth to the position by signing Russell Westbrook just before the beginning of the season. It's good that they did.
The real Dennis Schroder shows up
While Schroder plays inspired basketball in the world of FIBA, his game has never translated well to the NBA. He's good enough to stay in the league and makes great trade fodder. He's also not the guy you want running your offense, or someone you want to have the last shot when the chips are down.
A lot of Sactown fans were hoping this would be Schroder's breakout NBA season, particularly after his brilliant play in the 2025 EuroBasket Tournament. But he's been in the league for a minute or two. If he was going to have a breakout season, it probably would have happened by now.
There's no denying that Schroder is a skilled point guard. Regardless, he's not a good replacement for a player the caliber of De'Aaron Fox. Russell Westbrook, despite being in the league for almost 1000 years, apparently is that point guard and should be taking Schroder's starting spot.
Russell Westbrook got game
Everyone knows Westbrook's bonafides and long list of accomplishments. Still, he's in his 18th season. A lot of people wondered why the Kings would bring him in. Then, Russell shut those people up by being the hottest player on the team and the fire that's keeping them remotely alive.
Watching Westbrook sit on the bench while Schroder puts up another inconsistent game is absurd. Russell should be on the court, setting the tone for the Kings and leading them into battle. He dropped a triple-double as a starter, then played off the bench two games later.
After turning in yet another zero-point performance against the Nuggets last night, Schroder's starting status is even more confusing, particularly since Westbrook was two rebounds shy of a triple-double. It's time for Schroder to ride the bench to start the game.