Thunder to retire Russell Westbrook’s no. 0
The Oklahoma City Thunder will retire Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 jersey on February 7. A special tribute to a franchise legend
Some players become the face of a franchise more than others. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook is undoubtedly one of them. Now his jersey will officially become part of team history, too.
The Thunder announced that they will retire the former MVP’s No. 0 on February 7, raising it to the rafters of their Oklahoma City arena. It’s a special honor for one of the most important players in franchise history, whose influence extended well beyond the court.
Selected in the 2008 draft, just days before the team’s move from Seattle to Oklahoma City, Westbrook was there for virtually the entire first chapter of Thunder history, spending 11 seasons with the franchise.
Alongside Kevin Durant, he helped turn a newly established team into one of the Western Conference’s leading contenders. But it was after KD’s departure in the summer of 2016 that Westbrook’s bond with Oklahoma City grew even stronger.
Left to lead the team, Russ responded with a season that went straight into the history books: averages of 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire regular season.
Those numbers earned him MVP honors in 2017, before he averaged a triple-double again in each of the following two seasons.
Presti: “His legacy will last forever”
Thunder general manager Sam Presti explained the significance of the honor, emphasizing what Westbrook meant to the team and the entire city.
Many players leave their mark, but only the greats build a legacy. Russell Westbrook’s was built both on the court and in the community. His mindset was relentless, and his commitment was total. That’s why the people of Oklahoma consider him one of their own, and his number will hang in our arena forever
Sam Presti
In 2019, Westbrook left Oklahoma City for the Houston Rockets, beginning a second chapter of his career that took him to several NBA teams, including the Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings.
His bond with the Thunder, however, never broke.
After 18 NBA seasons, nine All-Star selections and a place among the league’s 75 greatest players, Westbrook announced his retirement this past offseason. His No. 0 will become just the second jersey retired in Oklahoma City Thunder history, following Nick Collison’s No. 4.
A perfect ending to the relationship between Russ and the city that watched him become a superstar. Westbrook played for many teams, but Oklahoma City will always be home.