Inside the Details of Russell Westbrook’s Jersey Retirement

Oklahoma City Thunder fans were in need of some good news after a brutal week of injuries and a couple blow out losses.

Enter Russell Westbrook.

As he did so many times over his illustrious career, the Thunder living legend stepped in on Monday afternoon to pick up OKC fans when they needed it most.

Thunder General Manager Sam Presti surprised Westbrook with the jersey retirement announcement during a ceremony honoring the 9 time All-Star with the Oklahoma Standard Award. The event took place at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

The 2017 NBA MVP is an icon in Oklahoma for not only the success he had on the court, but for the loyalty he showed to the state by staying when Kevin Durant took his talents to the Bay Area. Westbrook became an instant fan favorite because he played with an intense passion unrivaled by any player of his generation. He became a living legend by signing an extension with the team and leading the Thunder to the playoffs after every NBA pundit thought OKC was destined for irrelevancy.

"We are incredibly proud to retire Russell’s number," said Thunder owner Clay Bennett. "Russell made a lasting mark on the city and state during his time with the team, and his involvement in the community has endured long after. We are deeply grateful for his genuine care for the people of Oklahoma, and he will always be considered a member of the Oklahoma City community."

Westbrook was selected #4 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, a placement many critics felt was too high. He ended his Thunder career as the leader in almost every single statistical category. The former UCLA Bruin is the franchise's leader games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made and minutes.

The much anticipated jersey retirement will take place on February 7th against the New York Knicks. A nationally televised game on NBC/Peacock featuring the past two NBA champions. Chet Holmgren should be back, so the Thunder should field a strong squad despite no Jalen Williams nor Cason Wallace. The atmosphere in Loud City will be absolutely electric as OKC fans will surely shower Westbrook with one of the loudest, longest ovations the sport has ever heard.

“Many players make an impact but only great players leave a legacy. Russell Westbrook’s legacy was built both on the court and in the community,” said Presti. “His mindset was relentless, his commitment deep. For all those reasons, Oklahomans consider him one of their own and his number will be raised to the rafters in Oklahoma City forever.”