Russell Westbrook has retired from active play after 18 seasons, having written his own unique history in the NBA. The explosive guard combined speed, power, and passion with a rare ability to impact every aspect of the game.
From his selection in the Draft and his Finals appearance to his MVP award and historic triple-doubles, these are the five most significant moments of his great journey.
The beginning of a unique journey
In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics selected Westbrook with the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft, before the team relocated to Oklahoma and was renamed the Thunder. Although there were doubts about whether he could handle the role of a starting point guard, the UCLA graduate quickly began to silence his critics.
The explosiveness, speed, and intensity with which he played made him stand out from his early years. Alongside Kevin Durant, he was a key piece of a young team that evolved into a title contender, while gradually becoming one of the most important figures in Thunder history.
The first and only Finals appearance
In 2012, Oklahoma boasted one of the most talented teams of the era. Led by Westbrook, Durant, and James Harden, the Thunder overcame the hurdles of the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.
Oklahoma was defeated 4-1 by LeBron James’ Miami Heat, but Westbrook proved he could star at the highest level. His standout performance came in Game 4 of the series, when he scored 43 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists.
The historic MVP season
The departure of Kevin Durant in the summer of 2016 left Westbrook as the undisputed leader of the Thunder. He responded by delivering one of the most impressive individual seasons in NBA history, averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists.
Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson to finish an entire season averaging a triple-double. At the same time, he recorded 42 triple-doubles, breaking the record of 41 held by Robertson since 1962, and triumphantly won the MVP award for the 2016-17 season.
The unforgettable 20-20-20
On April 2, 2019, Westbrook put on a performance that looked straight out of a video game. In Oklahoma’s 119-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, he finished the game with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists.
He thus became only the second player in NBA history after Wilt Chamberlain to reach at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists in the same game. The night took on even greater emotional significance, as he dedicated his performance to his friend and famous rapper, Nipsey Hussle, who had lost his life two days earlier.
The pinnacle of triple-doubles
On May 10, 2021, now wearing the jersey of the Washington Wizards, Westbrook recorded the 182nd triple-double of his career. With this, he surpassed Oscar Robertson’s 181 and climbed alone to the top spot on the all-time NBA list.
By the end of his career, he had raised the record to 209 triple-doubles, leaving behind a mark that reflects the completeness of his game. Westbrook did not win the championship he so desired, but he retired as the ultimate “Mr. Triple-Double” in league history.