Following 11 sensational seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook will have his jersey retired by the franchise where he spent the majority of his 18-year career.
The UCLA men's basketball alumnus is set to have his iconic number zero immortalized on Feb. 7 when the Thunder host the New York Knicks in a matchup of the two most recent NBA champions.
“I came out here by myself,” Westbrook recalled. “You guys have the nicest and kindest people in the world. I truly believe that.
“I’m truly grateful for that honor, and I look forward to that night.”
OKC Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti revealed the news on Monday.
“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 in a statement. “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 was one of Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett's first draft picks when he bought the Seattle SuperSonics before moving the franchise to his hometown of Oklahoma City.
"We are incredibly proud to retire Russell’s number. Russell made a lasting mark on the city and state during his time with the team, and his involvement in the community has endured long after,” Bennett stated. “We are deeply grateful for his genuine care for the people of Oklahoma, and he will always be considered a member of the Oklahoma City community."
Westbrook joins Nick Collison as the second player in OKC history to have his number retired.
0 Forever 💙
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 2, 2026
02.07.27 pic.twitter.com/pTqRnespU2
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This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: OKC Thunder announce jersey retirement for UCLA alum Russell Westbrook
