Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Thunder to Retire Russell Westbrook's No. 0 on February 7

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Monday that Russell Westbrook's No. 0 jersey will be retired on February 7, 2027, during a home game against the New York Knicks at Paycom Center.

Executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti unveiled the plan at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum's Day One Luncheon, where Westbrook was honored with the Oklahoma Standard Award. The Oklahoman reported that the 37-year-old guard shed tears on stage when he heard the news.

The record he left in Oklahoma City

Westbrook played the first 11 of his 18 NBA seasons in Oklahoma City, which were also the first 11 seasons in Thunder history after the franchise arrived in 2008. Oklahoma City reached the playoffs in nine of those seasons and made the NBA Finals in 2012. Drafted fourth overall out of UCLA in 2008, Westbrook became a nine-time All-Star and the face of the young franchise.

He left as the franchise leader in games (821), points (18,859), rebounds (5,760), assists (6,897), steals (1,442), field goals made (6,626) and minutes (28,329). His 2016-17 season still stands apart. Westbrook averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, becoming only the second player in league history to average a triple-double for a full season. His 42 triple-doubles that season remain an NBA record, and his 209 career triple-doubles are the most in league history.

"Many players make an impact, but only great players leave a legacy," Presti said in a team statement. "Russell Westbrook's legacy was built both on the court and in the community. His mindset was relentless, his commitment deep. For all those reasons, Oklahomans consider him one of their own, and his number will be raised to the rafters, in Oklahoma City forever."

Thunder chairman Clayton I. Bennett said in the same statement: "We are incredibly proud to retire Russell's number. Russell made a lasting mark on the city and state during his time with the team, and his involvement in the community has endured long after."

A place in the city, not only the arena

Westbrook was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2016, and The Oklahoman noted that he remains an active member of the community, most recently investing in a multipurpose stadium that will be home to Oklahoma City's United Soccer League and United Football League teams and the district around it.

What happens on February 7

Westbrook's No. 0 will be the second jersey retired by the Thunder. He joins former teammate Nick Collison, whose No. 4 was retired in 2019. The number will hang at Paycom Center and will carry over to the Thunder's new arena, Continental Coliseum, which is set to open in time for the 2028-29 season. The February 7 game will be shown on NBC and streamed on Peacock as part of Sunday Night Basketball, according to NBC Sports. The team said more details about the ceremony will be announced at a later date. Westbrook, who turns 38 on November 12, announced his retirement from basketball on August 12.