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Russell Westbrook Makes Major Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 27, 2025 1:36 PM ET

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook appeared in 75 games for the team this past season. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in an average of 27.9 minutes played.

Westbrook spent this past season changing the narrative regarding his ability. Once known as the most electric, athletic player in the league, the 36-year-old guard, simply put, doesn't have that flair anymore.

One thing remains true: Westbrook still has the effort and motor to play winning basketball.

Many have bashed the legendary guard, calling him a losing player, diminishing his ability on the hardwood.

Despite being past his physical prime, Westbrook played winning basketball around Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' franchise superstar and a three-time MVP winner.

The Nuggets guard is a former MVP winner himself and has been an all-time great guard throughout his career.

Through the end of the season -- which came at the hands of his former club, the Oklahoma City Thunder -- Westbrook was dealing with an evident hand injury.

On Tuesday, Westbrook announced he had surgery to address two breaks in his right hand.

"This morning, I'm undergoing surgery on my right hand to fix two breaks that happened during the season," Westbrook announced. "I'm grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion."

Russell Westbrook announces he’ll undergo surgery on his right hand

(Via @LawMurrayTheNU ) pic.twitter.com/2JxBI8pvi2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2025

The all-time guard still remained on the hardwood, giving every bit of his energy and effort to try and help the Nuggets make a deep playoff run.

While Denver didn't make it out of the second round, they pushed the 68-win Thunder to a seven-game series.

Westbrook can and will continue to play winning basketball in the NBA, despite a refined bench and role player role. His announcement essentially confirms he won't be retiring and will be in the league next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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