Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday, ending an 18-season career that established him as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and ClutchPoints.
Russell Westbrook Career Milestones and MVP Legacy
Selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook accumulated career averages of 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds over 1,301 games across seven franchises, according to NBA.com. During the 2016-17 season, Westbrook claimed the Kia NBA MVP award after becoming the first player to average a triple-double over an entire season since Oscar Robertson did so in the 1961-62 campaign. According to league records, Westbrook repeated that single-season triple-double feat three additional times during the 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2020-21 seasons.
The Retirement Announcement Video and Final Season
In the self-tribute video titled “The Museum of Unspoken Answers” reported by ClutchPoints, Westbrook reviewed career highlights on a big screen while actor Michael B. Jordan narrated. Westbrook offered no spoken reply in the footage, saving his remarks for a written social media caption noted by Yahoo Sports: “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.”
Did you know? Russell Westbrook played his final NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 64 games with 58 starts while averaging 15.8 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest, according to Yahoo Sports.
Historic Rankings Across Eighteen Seasons
Over nearly two decades in the professional ranks, Westbrook climbed several all-time statistical lists. According to NBA.com, he finishes his career fifth all-time in total assists and 14th all-time in total points, alongside his record-setting number of career triple-doubles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Russell Westbrook announce his retirement?
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on Wednesday through a social media post and video, according to Yahoo Sports and ClutchPoints.
How many seasons did Russell Westbrook play in the NBA?
Westbrook played 18 seasons in the NBA after being drafted fourth overall in 2008, according to NBA.com.
Which team did Russell Westbrook play for in his final season?
Westbrook played his final season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 64 games during the year, according to Yahoo Sports.
What are Russell Westbrook’s career averages?
According to NBA.com, Westbrook retires with career averages of 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game over 1,301 total games.
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