Russell Westbrook is retiring from the NBA after 18 seasons, bringing an end to one of the league’s most statistically remarkable and fiercely competitive careers.
The 37-year-old guard announced his decision Wednesday through a video titled “The Museum of Unspoken Answers,” narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. The presentation revisited defining moments from Westbrook’s career, including his 2016-17 MVP season, while pointing toward his future work with young athletes and through his foundation.
Westbrook entered the NBA as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City shortly afterward. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Thunder, becoming the centerpiece of a team that also featured Kevin Durant and James Harden and reached the 2012 NBA Finals. Westbrook went on to play for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
Westbrook’s NBA career includes nine All-Star selections, nine All-NBA honors, two scoring titles and the 2017 MVP award. Westbrook also became one of only three players in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, accomplishing the feat four times. He leaves the league as its career leader in triple-doubles with 209, while ranking among its all-time leaders in assists and scoring.His final season came with Sacramento, where he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 64 games, according to NBA statistics. His career averages were 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 8 assists per game.
After nearly two decades defined by explosive athleticism, triple-doubles and an unmistakable intensity, Westbrook leaves the NBA as one of the era’s most accomplished and distinctive players.
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