Thunder to Hang Westbrook's Number 0 in February

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Sunday that they will retire the No. 0 jersey of Russell Westbrook on Feb. 7. The ceremony will take place during the halftime break of a regular-season game against the New York Knicks, the current NBA champions.

Westbrook, who turned 37 this year, spent eleven seasons with the franchise. His departure from the league this year, following a final season with the Sacramento Kings, leaves him as the team's all-time leader in multiple categories. He holds the records for games played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made, and minutes on the court.

Clayton Bennett, the team's president, confirmed the honor in a written statement. "We are extremely proud to retire Russell's number," Bennett said. "During his time with the team, Russell left an indelible mark on the city and the state, and his commitment to the community has endured long after."

The statistical record of his tenure in Oklahoma is extensive. In 821 games, Westbrook scored 18,859 points. He also recorded 5,760 rebounds, 6,897 assists, and 1,442 steals. His 6,626 made field goals and 28,329 minutes played also top the franchise lists.

His entry into the league traces back to the 2008 draft, where he was selected fourth overall by the Seattle Supersonics. The team relocated to Oklahoma City before that season began and adopted the Thunder name. Westbrook never wore the Sonics uniform. He joined a backcourt that included Kevin Durant and James Harden, both of whom later won the league's Most Valuable Player award.

The trio reached the NBA Finals in 2012. They lost the championship series to the Miami Heat. Westbrook remained in Oklahoma City longer than either Durant or Harden. After his eleven-year stint, he played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings.

Westbrook's impact extends beyond team records. He holds the NBA record for triple-doubles with 209. He is one of only three players in league history to average a triple-double over an entire season, a feat he achieved four times. He shares that distinction with Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokic.

Despite his statistical dominance and long career, Westbrook never won an NBA championship. The retirement of his jersey will serve as a permanent acknowledgment of his time in Oklahoma, even as his career ends without the league's highest honor.