OKC: Thunder will retire Westbrook's No. 0 this season

The Oklahoma City Thunder will raise Russell Westbrook's No. 0 jersey to the rafters on Feb. 7, honoring the former MVP and the greatest individual era in franchise history.

Westbrook was a first-round pick of the organization in 2008, just days before the team officially became the Thunder after relocating from Seattle. He played the first 11 seasons of his 18-year NBA career in Oklahoma City, teaming with Kevin Durant to turn the young Thunder into one of the league's best teams. After Durant's free-agent departure following the 2015-16 season, Westbrook became the face of the franchise.

The next season, Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire campaign — 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists — earning league MVP honors. He averaged a triple-double in each of his final two seasons in OKC as well.

"Many players make an impact but only great players leave a legacy," Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti said. "Russell Westbrook's legacy was built both on the court and in the community."

Oklahoma City traded Westbrook to the Houston Rockets ahead of the 2019-20 season, and he went on to play for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. A nine-time All-Star and a member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team in 2021, Westbrook will be honored with the Feb. 7 jersey retirement ceremony.