Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) - The Oklahoma City Thunder will honor Russell Westbrook, one of the best players in its history, with the retirement of his number 0 on February 7 during a visit by the New York Knicks, current NBA champions.
First modification: 02/11/2026 - 20:47
The Thunder made the announcement this Monday with a video with images of the 11 seasons in the franchise of the American point guard, winner of the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in 2017 and holder of the all-time record for triple doubles.
The number 0 of Westbrook, who announced his retirement last August, will be the second to be raised to the roof of the Paycom Center after that of Nick Collison.
"Many players leave their mark, but only great players leave a legacy. Russell Westbrook's legacy was built both on the court and in the community," acknowledged Sam Presti, the team's general manager.
"His mentality was relentless, his commitment deep. For all those reasons, Oklahomans consider him one of their own and his numbers will be raised to the top of the flag, forever in Oklahoma City," the executive said.
Westbrook, 37, played for the Thunder between 2008, when he was chosen fourth in the draft, and 2019, when he was traded to the Houston Rockets.
In the 2016-2017 season he was the second player from the franchise to receive the MVP award, after Kevin Durant won it in 2014.
The two formed one of the most devastating duos in the league, leading the Thunder to the 2012 Finals, the only ones played by Westbrook, who lost to the Miami Heat.
In his 18 active seasons, Westbrook played for both Los Angeles teams, the Lakers and Clippers, as well as the Rockets, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, where he retired last season as the player with the most triple doubles in history, a total of 209.
It was in Oklahoma City, however, where he enjoyed his full potential as one of the most physically exuberant point guards the NBA has ever known.
A nine-time All-Star, Westbrook led the league in scoring in the 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 seasons and finished his career with averages of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 8.0 assists.
© 2026 AFP
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