Former Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from basketball on Wednesday afternoon, and Thunder fans took on social media to comment on the career of one of OKC's greats.
Westbrook was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, selected by the Seattle Supersonics. As the franchise moved to Oklahoma City, so did Westbrook. During his 11-year stint in OKC, the UCLA alum won one NBA MVP award, made it to eight NBA All-Star teams and won the All-Star game MVP title twice.
Many Thunder fans still consider Westbrook to be one of the greatest players to wear the jersey.
Here's how fans have reacted to Westbrook's retirement on social media.
Russell Westbrook is on OKC's Mount RushmoreRussell Westbrook has officially retired
On the Mount Rushmore of OKC greats and an all-time point guard. Grateful to have watched his career. https://t.co/CSXNoiHUqI
I just really wish he could have come back to okc and retired as a thunder. would have been a fitting way. Russell Westbrook is an all time great. Thunder legend. 0 will be off in the rafters. Statue will be getting built. Thank you @russwest44 no 1 played harder. 😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Bradley Smith (@7Bradsmith7) August 12, 2026"Russell Westbrook is why I love basketball"Russell Westbrook was the reason I fell in love with the Oklahoma City Thunder and basketball itself
He never went any less than 110%, he lifted up the franchise countless times, he won an MVP, and even after he left he deservingly got a standing ovation every time he returned… pic.twitter.com/sa3UjOQrPJ
Russell Westbrook helped me fall in love with basketball. As a kid from OKC he genuinely changed my life. He gave it all to the city then, and he still does now. My favorite Thunder player always and forever. Congrats on a great career @russwest44 🥲 pic.twitter.com/ysFQMtp5Tm
— Gabe ☘️⚡️ (@CelticsGotNext) August 12, 2026Russell Westbrook man, where do I begin.
Growing up I was never into sports because I thought they were boring and repetitive but watching this man play for Oklahoma City,I fell in love with the game of basketball and 10 years later words can’t express how grateful I am. https://t.co/5BN4iTIlsi
Thank you for the memories Russ! The people of OKC can't thank you enough for everything you have brought to this city and still are investing in the city. Your loyalty & dedication will be remembered forever! One last ovation 👏🏼 for the Brodie! 0💙🤍🧡🫶🏼😤
— Crystal Goliwas (@CrystalGoliwas) August 12, 2026Should the Thunder honor Westbrook?This man brought basketball to Oklahoma, filled the seats of folks that never even watched basketball but become fans of the game from children to grandparents..
Basketball will miss this man but even more than anything, Oklahoma will miss him!
Statue shall be brought up at…
Russ gave 110% every game he was a pleasure to watch, most athletic point guard in nba history, one of the most clutch guards in nba history and he built the culture in OKC his jersey will 100% be in rafters in Oklahoma forever💔💔 https://t.co/bLZWgZof4x
— OKCHog (@OKCHog1) August 12, 2026City of Oklahoma City thanks WestbrookThank you, Westbook. 🧡💙 https://t.co/9FsqRJVNoR
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) August 12, 2026Isa Almeida is a trending reporter for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Isa? She can be reached at ialmeida@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @ialmeidasports. Support Isa's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder legend Russell Westbrook retires. How fans reacted on social media
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