Key Takeaways
- Thunder GM Sam Presti surprised Russell Westbrook with news that Oklahoma City will retire his No. 0 jersey on Feb. 7 when the team hosts the New York Knicks.
- An emotional Westbrook credited Oklahoma City with changing his life and praised its fans: “Oklahoma City has the most, kindest people in the world, and I truly believe that.”
- Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder, won the 2016–17 MVP award and will become the franchise’s second player to receive a jersey retirement.
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a surprise announcement on Monday (Nov. 2) in front of Russell Westbrook that the No. 0 he wore for 11 seasons with the team is headed to the rafters.
While at the podium for the OKC National Memorial & Museum's Day One Luncheon, Thunder general manager Sam Presti shared the news, beginning by mock-apologizing for the recent construction going on throughout the city.
“I just want to take the opportunity to apologize for the traffic and all the things that it brings with it, and most people don’t know that we’re actually doing some construction in the Paycom as well, and we will be done with that pretty soon,” Presti said. “It will be finished Feb. 7. We’re making some room in the rafters.”
Presti got emotional as he announced that on Feb. 7, when the Thunder host the New York Knicks, Westbrook’s No. 0 jersey will be officially retired.
Westbrook was also emotional upon finding out the news.
Westbrook was selected by the Thunder with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
During his time with the Thunder, Westbrook was named league MVP for the 2016-17 season after becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson, in the 1961-62 campaign, to average a triple double in a season.
Even though he went on to play for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and more, OKC will always hold a special place in Westbrook’s heart.
“I came out here by myself and trying to figure out life at 19, trying to understand what it’s like to grow into a young man,” he said. “Being able to come here, and being able to be in Oklahoma City changed my trajectory of life, and how I thought about people. Me and my friends, we always talk about how Oklahoma City has the, nicest, the kindest people in the world, and I truly believe that.”
“Being kind, being nice to someone doesn’t cost anything,” he continued. “You guys were that to me…I’m grateful for you guys.”
Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons in August.
Westbrook will be the second player to have their number retired by the Thunder, according to the NBA.
