It won’t be long before the Oklahoma City Thunder pay tribute to Russell Westbrook. The 2017 MVP announced his retirement this summer and now knows that on 7 February he will see his jersey raised to the rafters of OKC’s arena, as announced by the franchise itself.
‘Russ’ was selected fourth overall in the 2008 draft, just as the team officially became the ‘Thunder’ following its move from Seattle. That is precisely why Oklahoma’s history is so closely tied to the Californian point guard, as alongside Kevin Durant he helped build a spectacular team that reached the 2012 Finals, where it fell to the Miami Heat.
As far as Westbrook individually is concerned, his career was defined by becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over a full season, which he achieved by recording 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game, earning him the 2016-17 season MVP award.
“Many players make an impact, but only great players leave a legacy. Russell Westbrook’s legacy was built both on the court and in the community. His mentality was relentless and his commitment profound. For all these reasons, the people of Oklahoma consider him one of their own. His number will be raised to the rafters, where it will remain forever in Oklahoma City”, said Sam Presti, executive vice president and general manager of the Thunder.
The closing stretch of Westbrook’s career
Before the start of the 2019-20 season, the Thunder traded Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. That move was part of a restructuring in which the team ended the partnership between Westbrook and Paul George, laying the foundations for the successful period the franchise is currently enjoying.
Since then ‘Russ’, who was a nine-time All-Star and part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team in 2021, also played for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
(Photo by USA TODAY Sports)
