- Russell Westbrook, the NBA's career leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 MVP, announced Wednesday he’s retiring after 18 seasons during which he was selected to the league’s 75th anniversary team.
- Westbrook shared his decision on social media in a post featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan in which he stays silent.
- In his announcement, Westbrook stated, “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” expressing a sense of closure.
- Westbrook was drafted No. 4 in 2008 by the Seattle SuperSonics out of UCLA, just before the team moved to Oklahoma City.
- He won an Olympic gold medal in the 2012 London Games.
- Westbrook set the NBA record with 42 triple-doubles in a season during 2016-17, earning his MVP award.
- In his final season, Westbrook started 58 of 64 games for the Sacramento Kings.
- Westbrook leaves the league with 209 triple-doubles, the last of which came on March 15.
- He is 5th all-time in assists and 14th all-time in points in NBA history.
- Over his career, Westbrook averaged 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds across 1,301 games.
Russell Westbrook, the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209, announced his retirement after 18 seasons. The 2017 Kia MVP leaves the league ranked 5th all-time in assists and 14th in points, with career averages of 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds over 1,301 games.18910
Drafted No. 4 in 2008 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Westbrook spent his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and played for several teams, including the Lakers and Clippers. He led the NBA in assists three times and was a two-time MVP of the All-Star Game, also winning an Olympic gold medal in the 2012 London Games.
His final season saw him average 15.2 points and 6.7 assists while starting 58 of 64 games for Sacramento. Westbrook's legacy includes holding the record for most triple-doubles in a season with 42 during the 2016-17 season, when he earned his MVP award. Reflecting on his career, he stated, “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
“Westbrook retires with 209 career triple-doubles, the last on March 15, and holds the single-season record of 42 set in 2016-17. He averaged 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds over 1,301 games, and won Olympic gold in 2012.”
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