General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder Sam Presti has commended former point guard Russell Westbrook for his immense contributions to the NBA and the Thunder franchise. He averaged 20.0 points, 8.0 assists and 6.9 rebounds in his career.
This comment comes after Westbrook announced his retirement from the league via video on social media after an 18 year career after he was picked fourth overall in the 2008 Draft. (Scroll down to watch video)
The former NBA Most Valuable Player Award winner spent a bulk of his career in the league with the OKC Thunder that was highlighted by the team’s run to the NBA Finals in 2012.
Westbrook is sure to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame after becoming the first player to average a triple double in four different seasons.
He won gold with Team USA at the 2012 Olympics and 2010 Basketball World Cup.
He spent time playing for the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings but he will be fondly remembered for his time with OKC and Sam Presti praised Westbrook while reacting to the news.
“Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor. His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired our community in every year thereafter” Presti said in a statement.
Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.
You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026
