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Selected in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook joined the organization just as it transitioned from Seattle to Oklahoma City. He quickly became a cornerstone of the team, forming a formidable partnership with Kevin Durant that elevated the Thunder into one of the league's most competitive squads. Following Durant's departure in 2016, Westbrook’s influence on the franchise reached new heights.
A Legacy of Individual Excellence
Westbrook’s tenure in Oklahoma City was defined by historic individual production. During the 2016-17 season, he became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire campaign, recording 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. This performance earned him the league's Most Valuable Player award. He maintained that triple-double average for the following two seasons, which were his final years with the organization.
Reflecting on the decision to honor the nine-time All-Star, Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti praised Westbrook's contributions both on and off the court. In a statement released on Monday, Presti noted that while many players make an impact, only those who leave a lasting legacy are afforded such recognition. He highlighted Westbrook’s relentless mindset and deep commitment to the community as reasons why he is considered one of Oklahoma's own.
Post-Thunder Career and Franchise History
Following his time in Oklahoma City, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets ahead of the 2019-20 season. His subsequent career saw him play for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. A member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team, Westbrook officially announced his retirement this past offseason.
The retirement of the No. 0 jersey will be only the second such honor in the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining Nick Collison’s No. 4 in the rafters. The upcoming ceremony serves as a formal acknowledgment of the significant role Westbrook played in shaping the team's identity during his decade-plus stay with the franchise.