10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
On Wednesday, Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after 18 years playing in the association and achieving numerous accolades, including being named the NBA Most Valuable Player.
The 37-year-old began his career as part of a talented young trio of emerging star players with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining Kevin Durant and James Harden. They reached the NBA Finals together in 2012, only to fall to a Miami Heat team featuring LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.
Westbrook played last season for the Sacramento Kings, but also had stints with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers, among other squads. The Clippers posted a photo of the nine-time All-Star on X, with a special message in reaction to his announcement.
Read More on NBA
"Congrats on retirement, Russ! We’re honored to be part of your legendary career," the Clippers wrote in a social media message to their former player.
More news: NBA Thanksgiving Eve Schedule Pits LeBron James Against Team He Spurned
...
He signed with the Clippers in 2023, reuniting with James Harden and Paul George, both of whom were former Thunder teammates. In 89 games during his Clippers stint, Westbrook averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 assists, five rebounds, and a steal in 24.3 minutes per game.
Westbrook followed that up with a season playing for the Denver Nuggets and then a final season with the Kings. He retired as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of three players in history to average a triple-double for a season.
He last accomplished that feat with the Washington Wizards during the 2020-21 season, before his minutes and averages began to decrease.
He's a two-time scoring leader, three-time assists leader, and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. While he was named the 2017 NBA MVP, he's never won a championship. However, he's undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer based on his career accomplishments.
While Westbrook could have likely joined other rosters in the NBA or elsewhere, it seems he was content with his career and will now pursue other endeavors and interests.
More news: NBA Star Announces Surprise Retirement
For more about the Los Angeles Clippers and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines