Old Russell Westbrook video shutting down retirement talks resurfaces

Another legend has walked away from the NBA after Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on Wednesday. It marked the end of an 18-year career, which saw him become one of the most electrifying players in league history.

Westbrook finished with career averages of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.6 steals. He set the all-time record for most triple-doubles with 209. He was named MVP in 2017 and was a nine-time member of the All-NBA Team.

He spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, playing 64 games. In October, he shrugged off a reporter’s question about hanging up his jersey. A video of it was reposted by ESPN following the announcement of his retirement.

Little did we know, that would be Russell Westbrook’s final season

(via @MattGeorgeSAC) pic.twitter.com/GsYQdHQkNj

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 12, 2026

The 37-year-old Westbrook tallied 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals with the Kings, riding off into the sunset with still-prolific numbers unlike most veteran players.

Fans became emotional upon seeing the video.

“First clip I thought of when I saw that he was done. I hope he’s happy. His life just started today. He’s done one thing for the last 30-plus years. Insane,” said @Mook23x.

“This s*** broke my heart. Delete this from the internet,” wrote @guiller83604398.

“He didn’t plan for it to be, most likely. But when he realized there wasn’t a market for him, he probably didn’t have much of a choice,” added @Shavanon1.

“SMH, ending it with the Kings is diabolical, especially with how their season went,” stated @_jenius5.

“IT’S NOT FAIR,” commented @itsokamber.

The video perfectly encapsulated Westbrook. He was always defiant in the face of adversity. He marched to the beat of his own drum and was not afraid to color outside the lines.

He was drafted as the No. 4 pick in 2008 by the Seattle Supersonics before relocating to become the Oklahoma City Thunder. He helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals in 2012.

The nine-time All-Star also played for the Houston Rockets, the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets.

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