Russell Westbrook retires from NBA; 209 triple-doubles, NBA record

Basketball: Olympic gold medalist and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook announces his retirement

The 37-year-old says he’s calling it a day from the NBA following an 18-year pro career.

Olympic gold medalist and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook , at age 37, announced his retirement from the NBA via social media on Wednesday.

“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook wrote on X . “You had to be there. Now it’s over.”

After 18 years in the league, Westbrook leaves behind a generational career. He played for seven franchises, including both of his hometown teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. He was selected No. 4 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics after spending two seasons at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

A defining theme of Westbrook’s career was that he did things his way, both on and off the court.

Nicknamed “The Brodie”, Westbrook’s career was long, complicated and, at times, polarizing.

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: MVP Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Western Conference is congratulated by teammate Kevin Durant #35 after defeating the Eastern Conference during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa

Westbrook made his mark through his impact on his community, his family and his distinctive style, including his daring fashion tunnel fits. On the court, he became one of basketball’s most prolific statistical performers of his era.

During the 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award after averaging a triple-double for the season.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Nikola Jokic #15 Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez

He also set the NBA record for most triple-doubles in a single season with 42, a mark that only two other players have achieved: Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić .

Westbrook averaged a triple-double during the regular season four times in his career. From 22 January to 14 February 2019, Westbrook recorded triple-doubles in 11 consecutive games. He ultimately surpassed Robertson in May 2021 and finishes his career with an NBA record of 209 triple-doubles.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Kobe Bryant #10 and Russell Westbrook #7 of United States talk on the court during a break in the game against France in the Men’s Basketball Game on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie Squire

Among his many accolades, Westbrook was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, made nine All-NBA teams, won two All-Star Game MVP awards and two scoring titles, and led the league in assists three times.

He finishes his career 14th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 27,176 points and fifth in assists with 10,351.

Westbrook also leaves the game as an Olympic champion, having helped Team USA capture gold at London 20 12 .

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Russell Westbrook #7 and LeBron James of the United States talk before taking on Tunisia during the Men’s Basketball Preliminary Round match on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Basketball Arena on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Christian Petersen

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