Oklahoma City Thunder to retire Russell Westbrook's jersey

Oklahoma City Thunder to Retire Russell Westbrook’s Number 0 Jersey

The rafters inside Paycom Center are finally getting a name etched into franchise history. The Oklahoma City Thunder announced that the organization will officially retire Russell Westbrook’s number 0 jersey on February 7, 2027. Thunder general manager Sam Presti delivered the news during the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum’s Day One Luncheon, with Westbrook present for the announcement.

Westbrook spent 11 seasons anchoring the franchise, appearing in 821 regular-season games and establishing himself as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. Drafted fourth overall out of UCLA in 2008—a selection that was initially viewed as a high-athleticism gamble—Westbrook quickly evolved into the fierce competitive engine of the team. He powered the Thunder to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2012 and helped secure nine playoff berths during his 11-year tenure.

The pinnacle of his individual career arrived during the 2016-17 campaign. Following the departures of co-stars James Harden to Houston and Kevin Durant to Golden State, Westbrook shouldered the load with historical persistence. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, becoming only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double across an entire season. His 42 triple-doubles that year set a single-season NBA record, propelling him to the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

❝Many players make an impact but only great players leave a legacy.❞ Thunder Set to Retire Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 on February 7, 2027https://t.co/PZGINYXZiV pic.twitter.com/ABE9F21dSR

— https://x.com/okcthunder/status/2117338481366093840

Leaves Behind Staggering Franchise and League Records

When Westbrook eventually departed Oklahoma City, he left behind a staggering statistical footprint. He remains the franchise leader across several major statistical categories:

Points: 18,859
Assists: 6,897
Rebounds: 5,760
Steals: 1,442

Across an 18-year career that included stops elsewhere, Westbrook accumulated 209 career triple-doubles, the most the league has seen. He earned selection to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, notched nine All-NBA and All-Star nods, and captured two scoring titles.

The moment GM Sam Presti announced @russwest44's No. 0 would go up in the rafters forever 👏 pic.twitter.com/VE7XXA9yn8

— https://x.com/okcthunder/status/2117398997149135053

Westbrook will join long-time teammate Nick Collison as the only players in Thunder history to receive the honor of a jersey retirement. The ceremony is scheduled for a matchup against the New York Knicks.

Leadership Emphasizes Lasting Impact on the Community

Beyond the box scores, franchise leadership emphasized that Westbrook’s footprint extends deep into the Oklahoma City community.

Oklahoma City Thunder to retire Russell Westbrook's jersey — Photo: kxii.com

“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,” said Thunder Chairman Clayton Bennett. “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.”

Presti echoed those sentiments, pointing to the relentless identity Westbrook brought to the floor every night.

“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,” Sam 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.”

Additional details regarding the ceremony will be released by the organization at a later date.