Russell Westbrook ends a historic 18-season NBA career
Star point guard Russell Westbrook has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball this Wednesday, closing an 18-year chapter in the NBA. At 37 years old, the player says goodbye, leaving an indelible legacy as the all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of the most intense and athletic figures to ever step on the court.
The news was confirmed by Westbrook himself through a video on his social media, where he shared his decision with the fans. The nine-time All-Star and 2017 season MVP began his journey in the league after being selected as the fourth pick of the 2008 Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
A legendary journey through seven franchises
Throughout nearly two decades, the point guard demonstrated his versatility wearing the uniforms of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. His impact on the statistics was constant:
- Played 1,301 regular season games.
- Career averages: 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.
- All-time record of 209 triple-doubles.
Westbrook established himself as a force of nature, being one of only two players in league history, along with LeBron James, to surpass the 25,000-point and 10,000-assist mark.
Milestones and recognitions
Beyond his numbers, his career was marked by extraordinary milestones. In 2017, he reached individual glory by being named Most Valuable Player after averaging a triple-double throughout the entire campaign, a feat he repeated on three consecutive occasions and managed to record in four seasons throughout his career.
Historically, he retires occupying the 14th spot among the all-time leading scorers with 27,176 points and fifth place in assists with 10,351. His honors include nine All-NBA team selections, two scoring titles, and three assist titles.
Legacy in Oklahoma and international presence
Fans will always remember his golden years in Oklahoma City, where he formed one of the most electrifying trios in the league alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, managing to reach the NBA Finals in 2012. Likewise, his commitment to basketball extended to the international stage, winning gold at the 2010 World Championship and the 2012 London Olympics with the United States national team.
With this retirement, the NBA bids farewell to a tireless competitor whose playing style and statistical records have left an indelible mark on the history of professional sports.
