Russell Westbrook, a former NBA MVP and nine-time All-Star, recently announced his retirement after an 18-season career. His announcement prompted reactions from across the league, including a notable message from former rival Charlie Villanueva.
Villanueva acknowledged Westbrook’s retirement by sharing a video clip from a 2016 game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The clip showed Villanueva stepping between Westbrook and his then-Thunder teammate Cameron Payne as they were dancing before the game.
Rivalry and Respect
Villanueva’s post included a message congratulating Westbrook on his career. He wrote, “Congrats on an incredible career and retirement… much respect.” He also acknowledged their on-court clashes, stating, “Definitely didn’t always get along on the court as I recall… but always respect the way you competed and played the game. Real talk! Hell of a career… salute.”
The rivalry between Westbrook and Villanueva included several on-court incidents and exchanges through the media. One notable moment involved Villanueva telling Westbrook to “go to a nightclub” if he wanted to dance before games. Westbrook responded by suggesting Villanueva’s actions were characteristic of “guys who don’t play.”
Villanueva played 11 NBA seasons, concluding his career after the 2015-16 campaign. Westbrook, meanwhile, played for 18 seasons, with his most recent team being the Sacramento Kings. He leaves the league as the all-time leader in triple-doubles and the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history.
Westbrook’s Illustrious Career
Westbrook’s career highlights include being the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles and earning the 2017 Kia MVP award. He was also selected to the league’s 75th anniversary team. His decision to retire was shared on social media through a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan.
Westbrook was the No. 4 pick in the 2008 draft out of UCLA, initially by the Seattle SuperSonics before their move to Oklahoma City. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Thunder. Throughout his career, he led the NBA in assists three times and was a two-time All-Star Game MVP. He also won an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games.
He accumulated 209 triple-doubles during his career, with his last recorded on March 15. He also holds the NBA record for most triple-doubles in a single season, achieving 42 in 2016-17, the same season he received his only MVP award. Westbrook averaged double figures in points and assists in five of six seasons starting from the 2015-16 season. Beyond the Thunder and Kings, he also played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers, splitting the 2022-23 season between the two Los Angeles teams and Denver. In his last season with Sacramento, Westbrook started games he played, averaging points and assists.
Oklahoma City Legacy
Westbrook’s connection to Oklahoma City runs deep, with his legacy tied to the Thunder organization. He was a rookie during the team’s inaugural season in Oklahoma City. In 2016, a month after Kevin Durant‘s departure, Westbrook signed a contract extension with the Thunder, expressing his love for the city and its fans. He told the crowd, “I love Oklahoma City. Man, I wanted to tell you guys first, but I can’t be much more excited to be back. I love you guys.”
Despite eventually requesting a trade and playing for six other teams—the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Kings—his bond with Oklahoma City remained strong. Even seven years after his last paycheck from the Thunder, his Basketball Hall of Fame picture is anticipated to feature him in an OKC jersey.
Westbrook’s style of play, characterized by intensity and a lack of fear, resonated with Thunder fans. He was known for playing hard every night. His decision to stay with the Thunder after Durant’s exit helped heal the team and led to significant moments, including his MVP season and the acquisition and re-signing of Paul George. Westbrook has also been involved in community initiatives, including the resurrection of professional soccer in Oklahoma City and the development around a new downtown multipurpose stadium. He expressed a sense of duty to contribute to the city, stating, “I never wanted to let the people down here. I always gave it everything I had.”
Source: bleacherreport.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.