Russell Westbrook Retires as NBA's Triple-Double King
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The 2017 MVP and former Seattle SuperSonics draft pick ends an 18-season career defined by unprecedented statistical volume.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday, concluding an 18-year career as the league's all-time leader in triple-doubles, according to The Guardian. Westbrook finishes his career with 209 triple-doubles, surpassing Nikola Jokić, who holds 198.
After being selected by the Seattle SuperSonics as the No. 4 pick out of UCLA in 2008, Westbrook played his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His career was marked by high-volume production, including a 2016-17 campaign where he set the NBA record for the most triple-doubles in a single season with 42, a feat that coincided with his 2017 MVP award. The Guardian reports that Westbrook led the league in assists three times and was a two-time All-Star Game MVP.
Throughout his tenure, Westbrook played for several franchises, including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. He split the 2022-23 season between Denver and the two Los Angeles teams. In his final season with the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook started 58 of 64 games, averaging 6.7 assists and 15.2 points per game.
Westbrook's accolades include a selection to the NBA's 75th anniversary team, two scoring championships, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2012 London Games. He used social media to announce his retirement, posting a video with narration provided by actor Michael B Jordan.