Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons on Wednesday. The 37-year-old player shared the news in a farewell video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. The announcement featured a poignant caption: ‘Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.’
Westbrook became known for his intense style of play. He attacked the basketball court with fiery determination, showcasing urgency and power with every game. His distinctive approach made him a memorable player in the league today, known for managing player workloads.
Westbrook’s career is marked by impressive achievements. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 209. This feat surpassed Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record of 181 triple-doubles. Furthermore, Westbrook garnered nine All-Star appearances, nine All-NBA selections, two scoring titles, the MVP award in 2017, and inclusion in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
The peak of Westbrook’s career was arguably the 2016-17 season. After Kevin Durant departed for Golden State, Westbrook delivered standout performances, averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. He achieved the rare accomplishment of averaging a triple-double for the season, a feat last accomplished by Oscar Robertson in 1962.
Throughout his career, Westbrook played for various teams, including Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, both Los Angeles teams, Denver, and Sacramento. Despite Sacramento and Washington’s interest in another contract, Westbrook decided to retire.
Westbrook’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers subjected him to intense scrutiny. The combination of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Westbrook did not meet expectations, leading to widespread media attention.
Russell Westbrook leaves a lasting legacy in the NBA. He ranks 14th all-time in scoring with 27,176 points and fifth in assists with 10,351. His career also includes 9,025 rebounds and 2,038 steals. Not everyone admired his shooting style, but his impact on the court was undeniable.
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