Former MVP Russell Westbrook retires from NBA after 18 seasons

By Liam Tremblay — 12 August 2026 — 3 min read

Westbrook’s NBA career concludes

After an 18-season career in the NBA, former Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on Wednesday. The announcement was made through his social media accounts, featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan. Westbrook wrote, “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.”

Westbrook, who is 37 years old, was originally selected fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2008 NBA Draft. The team later relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played his first 11 seasons. His career also included stints with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and most recently, the Sacramento Kings.

In his final season with Sacramento, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over 64 games. He concluded his career with 27,176 points and 10,351 assists, making him only the second player in league history, alongside LeBron James, to achieve at least 25,000 career points and 10,000 assists. His career averages stand at 20.9 points, eight assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Accolades and records

Westbrook earned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2017. That season, he averaged a triple-double with 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to accomplish this feat. He went on to average a triple-double in four additional seasons.

He holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles with 209, with his last recorded on March 15. Nikola Jokic ranks second in this category with 198 entering the current season. Westbrook also set the single-season record for triple-doubles with 42 during his MVP-winning 2016-17 season.

Throughout his career, Westbrook was selected to nine All-Star teams and received All-NBA honours nine times. He was also a two-time scoring champion and led the NBA in assists three times. The guard was part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. While a championship eluded him, he did win an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. in 2012 and a FIBA World Cup in 2010.

Legacy and impact

Westbrook’s legacy is marked by his explosive and relentless playing style, characterized by his uncompromising personality and frenetic energy. His partnership with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City was a significant chapter, though the team reached the NBA Finals only once in 2012. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Westbrook’s impact on the game is recognized.

He is remembered as an iconic figure who consistently filled the stat sheet and was known for his distinctive fashion sense off the court. Westbrook’s ability to perform at a high level, particularly after Durant’s departure from the Thunder, led to his MVP season and solidified his place among the league’s notable players.

Westbrook’s career achievements include ranking 16th in career points and fifth in career assists. He is one of 37 players in NBA history to win an MVP award. His final NBA season saw him start 58 of the 64 games he played for Sacramento.

Source: sportsnet.ca