Remembering the Now-Retired Russell Westbrook as a Rocket

While the point guard is most affiliated with Oklahoma City, he had moments in Houston

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (center) fakes a shot attempt after catching the ball after it was knocked out of bounds during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On Wednesday, Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons in the league. The 37-year-old guard averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over 64 games last season.

There was speculation that Westbrook could sign a veteran-minimum deal with the Houston Rockets, an idea endorsed by multiple former NBA stars. This received further momentum when Westbrook expressed an openness to continuing his professional basketball career during a recent interview with CNN.

Westbrook’s latest post on X, however, put an end to the free agency rumors. Accompanied by a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan, Westbrook posted the caption “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over”. 

Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.

You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026

Throughout his NBA career, the nine-time All-Star was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. Regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, he is retiring as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.

A Chapter in Houston

A significant portion of Westbrook’s career is associated with the Thunder, where he played 11 seasons and was named the 2017 MVP. He transitioned into a veteran journeyman after his departure from Oklahoma City, which began with a one-season stint with the Rockets in 2019.

Westbrook was traded to the Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul, two protected first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps. The move reunited Westbrook with his former teammate James Harden.

Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists over 57 games during the 2019-2020 NBA season. Towards the end of the season, Westbrook suffered a right quad injury and missed the majority of Houston’s opening playoff series against the Thunder.

After defeating their former team, Westbrook and Harden faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals. Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles prevailed 4-1 over the Rockets.

As rumors of chemistry issues continued to circulate, Westbrook was traded to the Wizards for John Wall and draft compensation. While his time with the Rockets may be considered relatively underwhelming, there are still questions about how the series might have changed if Westbrook was at full strength.

Overall, Westbrook’s legacy should solidify him as a future Basketball Hall of Famer. His chapter with the Rockets stands out as a relative success among his other NBA playing destination.