Russell Westbrook Announces NBA Retirement After 18 Seasons

Former basketball superstar Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after an illustrious 18-season career, as reported by social media on Wednesday. In a three-and-a-half-minute video, the 37-year-old guard made it clear that his decision was made on his own terms, with the final screen reading, "The greatest thing he left behind couldn't fit inside a museum. It never had to be said."

Known for his triple-double prowess, Westbrook recorded a career-high 209 triple-doubles during his time in the league, including a record 42 in the 2016-17 season that saw him crowned NBA Most Valuable Player. Averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists that year, he became only the second player in NBA history to accomplish this feat in a single season, following the legendary Oscar Robertson.

A nine-time All-Star, Westbrook ranks fifth all-time in career assists with 10,351 and 14th in scoring with 27,176 points. He led the NBA in assists three times and in scoring twice. In 2021, he was honored with a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Westbrook was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP twice (in 2015 and 2016) and earned the gold medal with the United States men's basketball team at the 2012 Olympics in London.

During his 1,301 regular-season games with seven franchises, Westbrook averaged 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds. In 135 playoff appearances, he averaged 22.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.7 rebounds. Drafted fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008, the team relocated to Oklahoma City before Westbrook's rookie season.

He spent 11 seasons with the franchise, where he formed a formidable partnership with Kevin Durant, leading the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, which they ultimately lost to the Miami Heat.