Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Russell Westbrook Retires After Historic 18-Season NBA Career
Russell Westbrook is a very famous basketball player who played in the NBA, the top basketball league in America.
After playing for 18 whole seasons, he decided to stop playing at the age of 37.
He told everyone his decision in a video he shared on social media.
He was chosen fourth in the 2008 draft when he first joined the league.
During his career, he played in the All-Star Game nine times and was named the league's best player, the MVP, in 2017.
He holds the record for the most triple-doubles ever, with 209 of them.
A triple-double means a player gets lots of points, rebounds, and assists in a single game.
He also passed the ball to teammates a lot, ending with 10,351 assists in his career.
Many other famous players, like LeBron James and James Harden, said kind things about him after he retired.
Fans are now debating whether he is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA at age 37 after an 18-season career.
He was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft and became a nine-time All-Star and 2017 NBA MVP.
Westbrook retires as the NBA's all-time triple-doubles leader with 209, including a record 42 in the 2016-17 season.
He finished fifth on the all-time assists list with 10,351 and 14th in scoring with 27,176 points.
LeBron James and James Harden were among former teammates and players paying tribute to his legacy.
- Who
- Russell Westbrook, former NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star.
- What
- Announced his retirement from the NBA after an 18-season career.
- When
- At the age of 37, following his retirement video shared on social media.
- Where
- The announcement was made via a reflective video shared on social media.
- Why
- He officially called time on a career defined by explosive athleticism, relentless intensity, and historic triple-double numbers.
- Career length
- 18 seasons
- Age at retirement
- 37
- 2008 NBA Draft position
- 4th overall
- All-Star selections
- 9
- MVP
- 2017
- Triple-doubles
- 209 (NBA all-time record)
- Career assists
- 10,351 (5th all-time)
- Career points
- 27,176 (14th all-time)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- Member