Russell Westbrook's NBA Retirement Leaves Houston Rockets Fans in Awe

Russell Westbrook, the former Houston Rockets guard, has announced his retirement from the NBA, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. The news comes after a long season with the Sacramento Kings, which ended without a new contract, and a summer with no offers from other NBA teams.

Westbrook's contributions to the Rockets cannot be overstated. In his one season with the team, he averaged 27.2 points on a career-best 47.2% shooting from the floor, along with 7.9 rebounds and 7 assists. There was a stretch during the 2019-2020 season, from after Christmas Day until the season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic on March 11, that he averaged 31.2 points on 52% shooting.

The Rockets' decision to trade Westbrook for John Wall in 2020 marked the end of his time in Houston. However, Westbrook went on to have many more productive seasons with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. With a career average of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, Westbrook holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles with 209, surpassing Oscar Robertson's long-standing record of 181 in 2021.

As a nine-time All-Star, Westbrook's impressive career has left a lasting impact on the NBA. His ability to dominate games on both ends of the court has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

What's Next for the Houston Rockets?

The Rockets' recent form has been a subject of concern, with a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, leaving them with a record of 2-3 in their last five games. The team will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the playoffs.

A Legacy that Will be Remembered

Russell Westbrook's retirement marks the end of an era for the Houston Rockets. His impressive stats and memorable moments will be remembered for years to come. As the team looks to the future, they will be hoping to find a player who can fill the void left by Westbrook's departure.

Last result: Houston Rockets 78-98 Los Angeles Lakers (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL, most recent first).