Choked up and tearful: Russell Westbrook’s emotional reaction to Thunder’s ultimate honor
The former MVP gets emotional as Oklahoma City prepares to immortalize his remarkable contribution to the franchise
Russell Westbrook’s place in Oklahoma City basketball history is about to receive a permanent tribute. The Thunder have announced that they’ll retire his iconic No. 0 jersey on February 7, when they host the New York Knicks at Paycom Center.
The recognition carries meaning far beyond a number being lifted into the rafters for a player whose identity became closely tied to the franchise.
Westbrook’s response made that clear.
“It’s amazing; it’s a true blessing,” Westbrook said. “Quite frankly, it's not just for me, my family — my kids, wife, my mom, my brother-in-law, the entire city. Being able to grow up not even imagining you'd be able to be a professional athlete, needless to say, be in the NBA.
“But to be able to get your jersey retired, it creates a legacy; it creates a sense of all the work, time, effort, and energy you put into the game. I'm just truly grateful for that honor. I look forward to that night.”
A legacy built over 11 seasons
The Thunder selected Westbrook fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, shortly before the franchise relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City. He spent his first 11 NBA seasons with the organization, becoming one of its most recognizable figures and helping establish its identity.
During that period, Oklahoma City reached the Western Conference finals four times and advanced to the NBA Finals in 2012. Westbrook played a central role in the team's rise, developing into one of the league's most explosive and accomplished guards.
His individual achievements were equally impressive. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2016-17 after becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double across an entire season.
He subsequently repeated that remarkable statistical achievement in two consecutive campaigns. Westbrook also captured two scoring titles and led the league in assists three times.
His numbers in Oklahoma City further explain why the franchise considers him worthy of its highest recognition. Westbrook finished his Thunder career with 18,859 points, 6,897 assists, 5,760 rebounds and 1,442 steals. He also recorded 138 triple-doubles in a Thunder uniform, establishing a remarkable franchise benchmark.
General manager Sam Presti praised Westbrook's contributions both on and off the basketball court.
“Many players made an impact, but only great players leave a legacy. Russell Westbrook 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.”
Westbrook will become only the second player to have his number retired specifically for his contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining Nick Collison.
Although several other numbers hang in the rafters from the franchise's Seattle SuperSonics history, Westbrook's recognition represents an important chapter in Oklahoma City's own basketball story.
