“You couldn’t pay Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan enough money for what they’re doing with these young guys. I mean, off the court, it’s amazing.”
Former NBA player and Sacramento Kings, Henry “The High Flyer” Turner, joined Matt George and Kayla Anderson to discuss the lowly state of the Kings and what can be learned from their disappointing season.
Clearly, Turner seems to have immense value in the veteran contributors they’ve had this season. DeRozan has appeared in all but two games, averaging 18.5 points, 4.1 assists, and three rebounds on 39.5 percent shooting.
In 64 games played, Westbrook recorded 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while becoming the team’s preferred starting point guard over free agent signing Dennis Schroder.
Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis fall under the veteran category as well, but they’ve combined for just 58 games between them. Given how Westbrook and DeRozan are in the battle with the young players, it makes teaching moments come naturally.
Off the court, they may be even more essential by being examples of what long-term success takes in the hours nobody is watching.
“Russell is definitely that guy. He’s an alpha male,” Turner told Matt & Kayla. “He does more teaching with these young players, just as much as an assistant coach does. DeMar DeRozan is the exact same way they are really pushing these guys. You would think that with Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan both chasing their own type of situation in NBA history, they’re still on their own progression as going up the ladder and all types of accolades and stuff, but they’re just as equally in tune with trying to get these young guys to get better.”
Sacramento’s roster doesn’t exactly have a variety of young, promising talent. The players they’ve poured more repetitions start with the rookie trio of Nique Clifford (23), Maxime Raynaud (22), and Dylan Cardwell (24). After that, it goes to Devin Carter (23), Daeqwon Plowden (27), Precious Achiuwa (26), or even the later additions in Killian Hayes (24) and DaQuan Jeffries (28).
Raynaud has clearly benefited from playing alongside Westbrook, receiving many of the future Hall of Famer’s pick-and-roll assists.
“I will say this first and foremost, right off the bat, if you are a rookie such as Maxime Raynaud, and you get a chance to step on the floor with a Russell Westbrook, with a Chris Paul, with a Rajon Rondo, a Jason Kidd or a Steve Nash,” Turner said. “I’m talking about it can’t get any better, because they’re going to put you in the best possible position to succeed.”
The rookie has maintained his stellar statistical production recently without Westbrook, an encouraging sign for his long-term projection.
“Russ isn’t here. Now you have to go and go out and get something different,” Turner continued. “It’s a different type of offensive play that he has to be out there, a different type of mindset, to where he really has to go get it. And you’re starting to see him move in that direction.”
Starting in 50 of his 68 games, Raynaud is averaging 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 56.5 percent from three. His consistent contributions have placed him on an All-Rookie team trajectory, whether it’s the first or second team still feels unclear.
But with single-digit games remaining and one of the worst records in the NBA (19-57), this could be some of the last moments their young talents get to pick the brains of Westbrook or DeRozan.
Westbrook is on an expiring one-year deal, while DeRozan has one year left but was well known to be available via trade.
Check out the full interview with former NBA player Henry Turner by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to Matt & Kayla from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude its final road trip of the season on Wednesday night when the face the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
Sacramento dropped a 122-109 contest to the Raptors at Golden 1 Center back on January 21st as Scottie Barnes scored 23 points in the win.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 5:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Toronto.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
- Wednesday, April 1st @ Toronto Raptors – 5:00 PM PT
- Friday, April 3rd vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
- Sunday, April 5th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 6:00 PM PT
- Tuesday, April 7th @ Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
- Friday, April 10th vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
- Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 5:30 PM PT
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