Sam Presti Announces Thunder Will Retire Russell Westbrook’s Jersey

Oklahoma City will forever have a special place for Russell Westbrook, and now the franchise is preparing to make sure his legacy lives on inside Paycom Center.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Monday that they will retire Westbrook’s No. 0 jersey on Feb. 7 when the team hosts the New York Knicks. Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti made the announcement during the Oklahoma City National Memorial Day One luncheon, giving the city another opportunity to celebrate one of the most influential players in franchise history.

For a player who gave Oklahoma City 11 seasons of relentless effort, passion and unforgettable moments, the recognition feels fitting.

Westbrook announced his retirement in August after 18 seasons in the NBA, 11 of which came with the Thunder. His No. 0 will become just the second number retired by the franchise, joining Nick Collison’s No. 4 in the rafters.

“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,” Presti said. “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.”

Those words capture what Westbrook meant to the organization and the community. His impact was never limited to what happened between the lines. While his intensity and competitive fire became defining characteristics of his playing career, his connection with Oklahoma City extended well beyond basketball.

Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett echoed that sentiment, pointing to Westbrook’s continued involvement in the community even after his departure from the franchise.

Westbrook arrived in Oklahoma City as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Over the next 11 seasons, he became the face of an era that helped establish the Thunder as one of the NBA’s premier organizations.

He finished his Oklahoma City career as the franchise leader in games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made and minutes played. His 18,859 points, 6,897 assists and 5,760 rebounds tell only part of the story.

The greatest individual accomplishment came during the 2016-17 season when Westbrook captured the NBA Most Valuable Player award. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, becoming just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season.

His 42 triple-doubles that season remain an NBA record, while his 209 career triple-doubles are the most in league history.

Westbrook also helped lead Oklahoma City to the 2012 NBA Finals, four Western Conference Finals appearances and nine playoff appearances during his tenure.

His time with the Thunder eventually came to an end in 2019, but the connection between Westbrook and Oklahoma City never disappeared.

On Feb. 7, that connection will come full circle. The numbers, records and accomplishments will always be part of his legacy, but the jersey going into the rafters represents something bigger.

Russell Westbrook wasn’t simply one of the greatest players to wear a Thunder uniform. He became part of Oklahoma City, and now the franchise is making sure No. 0 will never be forgotten.