Russell Westbrook was one of the best players in the NBA during his prime. As a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was a triple-double machine. To this day, he holds the NBA's record for most triple-doubles. He also averaged a triple-double for an entire season.
However, as time went on, Westbrook's career started to fall apart. He bounced around from organization to organization and could not seem to get anything straightened out.
He was even paired with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers, although that turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Last season, Westbrook found himself on the Sacramento Kings, but again, things just weren't the same. Westbrook struggled, and fans felt as though his career was the worst it ever looked.
Russell Westbrook Calls It A Day
On Wednesday, Westbrook officially made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA. He retires as a former MVP and a nine-time All-Star. He was also the scoring champion twice in his career, while leading the NBA in assists three times. Furthermore, he was a nine-time All-NBA selection.
These statistics are simply incredible, and while he never won an NBA title, it seems pretty clear that Westbrook is going to be going to the Hall of Fame when all is said and done. If he doesn't get there, then it will be a gross injustice.
There have been some light rumblings that he may go play overseas this season. However, Westbrook has not confirmed those reports. Given this retirement announcement, one could assume that the man just wants to relax and hang out with his family.
Either way, it was a great career and we thank Westbrook for the memories.
