Russell Westbrook says goodbye to the NBA: The end of a historic era
Professional basketball bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures. Russell Westbrook, the point guard who redefined versatility on the court, has announced his official retirement after an extraordinary 18-season career in the NBA. At 37 years old, the player leaves behind an indelible legacy as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.
The news was confirmed by Westbrook himself through his digital platforms, thus closing a golden chapter that began in 2008, when he was selected in the fourth position of the Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
A journey full of milestones and records
Throughout nearly two decades, the explosive point guard defended the colors of seven franchises: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. His statistical impact is unquestionable after having played 1,301 regular-season games with averages of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.
- Historical leader: He accumulated 209 triple-doubles, a record figure in the history of the competition.
- MVP and consistency: He was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2017, the year in which he averaged a triple-double throughout the entire campaign, a feat he would repeat on three more occasions.
- Statistical legacy: He retires occupying 14th place on the all-time leading scorers list with 27,176 points and fifth place in assists with 10,351.
Westbrook is one of only two players in NBA history, along with LeBron James, to reach the 25,000-point and 10,000-assist mark, establishing himself as a complete player.
Distinctions and international career
The nine-time All-Star’s career was marked by a unique competitive intensity. His achievements include nine All-NBA team selections, two scoring titles, three assist titles, and two All-Star Game MVP awards. His golden years in Oklahoma City, where he formed a historic trio alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, led them to the NBA Finals in 2012.
Beyond the league, his commitment to basketball extended to the United States national team, with which he reached the ultimate glory by winning the gold medal at the 2010 World Championship and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
With Westbrook’s farewell, Alofoke Deportes recognizes the departure of a tireless competitor whose athletic ability and unique style left an indelible mark on professional basketball.
