Russell Westbrookannounced his retirement Wednesday, bringing an end to an unforgettable 18-season NBA career that saw him play for seven teams and rewrite the record books.The 37-year-old revealed his decision on social media alongside a video documenting his career, narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan.Sometimes you dont even know when youve already watched the end, Westbrook wrote. You had to be there. And now its over.The decision wasnt made because Westbrook had run out of opportunities. The Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards both had interest in signing him this offseason, but Westbrook ultimately decided to walk away on his own terms, according to ESPNs Shams Charania.His final season came with Sacramento, where he started 58 games and averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds.But Westbrook will always be remembered most for his time in Oklahoma City.After being selected fourth overall in 2008, Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder and helped take the franchise to the 2012 NBA Finals alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden.Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor, Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired our community in every year thereafter.Westbrooks greatest individual season came in 2016-17, when he became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double across an entire season.He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists while recording an NBA-record 42 triple-doubles and winning MVP.Related Article: NBA Coaching Legend Don Nelson Dies at 86He finishes his career as the NBAs all-time triple-double leader with 209 and retires fifth in career assists and 14th in scoring with 27,176 points.Westbrook also became just the second player alongside LeBron James to reach 25,000 points and 10,000 assists.After leaving Oklahoma City in 2019, Westbrook played for the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings.He walks away as a nine-time All-Star, an MVP and one of the most statistically accomplished point guards the NBA has ever seen.READ MORE: Warriors GM Addresses Steph Currys Future With Warriors
