Russell Westbrook has officially called it a career, stepping away from basketball after a long season with the Sacramento Kings where he couldn’t land a new contract or any offers from other NBA teams. It’s a gut punch knowing we won’t see that fire on the court anymore, but what a run it was.
That Wild Ride in Houston
For Houston fans, Russ was a familiar face even before he donned their jersey. He was the guy battling James Harden for MVP in 2016-2017, and a constant threat in countless playoff series. But then, summer 2019 hit. In a blockbuster move, Westbrook became one of Houston’s own, traded there in July 2019 for Chris Paul. And man, did he deliver! Matt Young at the *Houston Chronicle* wasn’t wrong when he said Westbrook’s contributions as a Rocket can’t be understated. In his single season there, Russ was an absolute force, averaging 27.2 points on a career-best 47.2% shooting from the floor. Add in 7.9 rebounds and 7 assists, and you had a full-throttle machine. Remember that insane stretch from after Christmas Day until the pandemic shut everything down on March 11? Westbrook was averaging a ridiculous 31.2 points on 52% shooting. Just unstoppable.
Unfortunately, the momentum died when the season resumed in the NBA bubble. Westbrook couldn’t return, and the Rockets crashed out in the first round. Every fan knows what happened next: Harden wanted out, and to try and give him more help, Houston shipped Westbrook off for John Wall. Let’s be real, that trade was an absolute disaster, “0/10, don’t recommend” is probably putting it mildly. That was the end of Russ’s Houston chapter, but it wasn’t the end of his career.
A Legacy Forged in Triple-Doubles
Even after leaving Houston, Westbrook kept grinding. He went on to have plenty more productive seasons with the Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Kings, always bringing that signature energy. Look at his career averages: 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. That’s consistent greatness over a long stretch! He was a nine-time All-Star, a true legend. But the stat that truly separates him, the one that makes your jaw drop and solidifies his place in history? Russell Westbrook holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles. He shattered Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record of 181, which had been in place since 1974, by tallying an astounding 209 triple-doubles in 2021. That’s just wild, a number that’s going to stand for a very, very long time.
It’s tough to see a player like Russ step away. He truly changed how we view a point guard’s impact. For a lot of us, myself included, watching those 2016-2017 Rockets-Thunder playoff battles was what got us hooked on the NBA. Congrats to Russell on a great, illustrious career. He earned every bit of that retirement. And for Houston fans, this officially closes the door on any crazy “what if Russ came back” talks. Ime Udoka might have just been saved from himself.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Dream Shake.
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