One of the best guards of his generation is hanging it up.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on social media Wednesday, ending an 18-year NBA career that included an MVP award plus nine All-NBA and All-Star selections. Westbrook shared the news in a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. He captioned it: "Sometimes you don't even know when you've already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it's over."
Westbrook spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds. The Seattle SuperSonics selected Westbrook at No. 4 out of UCLA in the 2008 NBA draft before it relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. He played 11 seasons in Oklahoma City, winning MVP in the 2016-17 campaign after becoming the first player to average a triple-double in a season since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62.
The triple-double king, Westbrook recorded 209 across his career, the most in NBA history. He also finishes his career ranking fifth all time in assists and 14th on the all-time scoring list. He is one of two players in NBA history with 25,000 points and 10,000 assists, the other being LeBron James, according to ESPN Research.
Praise and congratulations from across the sports world poured in for Westbrook, led by James, Westbrook's former teammate Kevin Durant and two of the top current guards in the NBA -- Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young.
I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what's harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, "coming in before practice is probably...
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 13, 2026
Thank You @russwest44 🫡
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 12, 2026
Damn Brodie... an absolute Legend! What a hell of a career!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 12, 2026
🫡 @russwest44
2016-17 Kia NBA MVP
— NBA (@NBA) August 12, 2026
9x NBA All-Star
9x All-NBA
2x NBA scoring champion
5th all-time in assists
All-time leader in triple-doubles
NBA 75th Anniversary Team member
Congrats on an incredible 18-year NBA career, @russwest44 👏 https://t.co/5JzK8byVS9
Some careers need no words. Congratulations, Russell 🤝 https://t.co/JdE5ZAXDr0 pic.twitter.com/OvcPjmqr0T
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 12, 2026
🐐 RESPECT CUZ! https://t.co/UDOlx3dYwM
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 12, 2026
GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER!!!! 🖤 https://t.co/qZcUnpwz0m
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 12, 2026
respect. thank you, brodie. @russwest44
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) August 12, 2026
congratulations on an amazing career we weeee! 💪🏾 https://t.co/JKAIuY0orX
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) August 12, 2026
Thank you, Russell Westbrook
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) August 12, 2026
You were truly a joy to compete against it, you really put on for the Big guards 💪
RUSSELL 💙 🧡
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 13, 2026
To a legend on and off the floor, congrats on retirement and thank you for everything you gave to the city @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/n6MqJqKaH9
what a career for one of the greats. pic.twitter.com/ehGnTWtO4c
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) August 12, 2026
Congrats on retirement, Russ! We're honored to be part of your legendary career ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/3sdJv6GdSV
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 12, 2026
Here's to a great career! Wishing you the best, Russ 💛 pic.twitter.com/rclrL1zpEu
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 12, 2026
Salute on an iconic career 🫡 @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/q3Td25OQV0
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 12, 2026
Congrats on the retirement, Russ 👏 pic.twitter.com/wYISkwR6Jl
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) August 12, 2026
Grateful Sacramento was part of an unforgettable career. Congratulations on 18 incredible seasons. Enjoy retirement, Brodie 💜 @russwest44 pic.twitter.com/l66Qo1k7Nx
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) August 12, 2026
Congrats on retirement @russwest44! Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. pic.twitter.com/3qb3vbysOA
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 12, 2026
Congrats On Retirement Legend... 1st Ballot Incoming. 💯 https://t.co/p7pULxKD5X
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) August 12, 2026
