By Blessing Nweke
Russell Westbrook, one of the most accomplished and electrifying guards in NBA history, has announced his retirement after an 18-season career. The 37-year-old made the announcement Wednesday in a reflective video shared on social media, bringing an end to a career defined by extraordinary athleticism, intensity and record-setting performances.
Westbrook leaves the league as its all-time leader in regular-season triple-doubles, finishing his career with 209. His most remarkable season came in 2016-17, when he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game to become the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award that year.
A nine-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection, Westbrook was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. He ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in assists and scoring, finishing with 10,351 assists and 27,176 points. He also won two scoring titles and three assist titles during his career.
Drafted fourth overall in 2008, Westbrook spent his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, helping the team reach the 2012 NBA Finals. He later played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
His final NBA season came with Sacramento, where he averaged 15.2 points per game. Westbrook now leaves the court with a legacy built on durability, competitiveness and one of the most distinctive playing styles of his generation.
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