Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA, ending an 18-season career in which he became the league’s career leader in triple-doubles, won the 2017 MVP award and earned selection to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
The former Sacramento Kings guard revealed his decision Wednesday in a farewell video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. Westbrook did not speak in the video, but shared a message alongside it: “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
Westbrook’s retirement closes the book on a career marked by individual production, sustained playmaking and a record that remains one of the NBA’s defining statistical achievements. His 2016-17 season, when he recorded 42 triple-doubles and won his only MVP award, remains the league record for triple-doubles in a season.
A career built on production and longevity
Selected fourth overall in the 2008 draft out of UCLA by the Seattle SuperSonics, Westbrook began his NBA career just before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Thunder, becoming a central figure in the organization’s early years in Oklahoma City.
Westbrook led the NBA in assists three times, won two scoring titles and was named MVP of the All-Star Game twice. He also won an Olympic gold medal with the United States at the 2012 London Games.
His status as the NBA’s triple-doubles leader is a major part of his legacy. Westbrook’s last triple-double came on March 15, and Nikola Jokic was second on the career list with 198 entering the season. Westbrook also averaged double figures in both points and assists in five of six seasons beginning in 2015-16.
After his Thunder tenure, Westbrook played for Houston, Washington, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver and Sacramento. He split the 2022-23 season between the Lakers and Clippers before later stops with Denver and the Kings.
Westbrook spent his final NBA season with Sacramento, starting 58 of the 64 games he played. He averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists for the Kings, providing a final chapter to a career that began with the franchise’s predecessor in Seattle.
Thunder praise Westbrook’s lasting impact
Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti described Westbrook as “the ultimate competitor” in a statement following the retirement announcement. Presti said Westbrook’s belief and fearlessness helped establish the foundation of the Thunder organization after the club’s move from Seattle in 2008.
“His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired our community in every year thereafter,” Presti said. “Russell will be as successful in his life after basketball as he was during his career because his qualities and gifts transfer. His impact on our community is still felt today, and he is beloved for his devotion as much as his talent.”
Westbrook leaves the game with awards, records and a long list of franchises shaped by his presence. His retirement also ends the playing career of the NBA player most closely associated with triple-doubles, a category in which his 2016-17 record and career lead set a lasting benchmark.
