Russell Westbrook’s emotional reaction to Thunder announcing jersey retirement

Future Hall of Fame guard Russell Westbrook responded to the Oklahoma City Thunder retiring his No. 0 jersey when the team faces defending champion New York Knicks on February 7 at Paycom Center. Thunder GM Sam Presti teased Westbrook’s retirement ceremony ahead of the 2026-27 season, when Russell announced his retirement.

Westbrook is honored to have his Thunder jersey retired and addressed the upcoming ceremony shortly after the announcement, per 107.7 The Franchise’s Daniel Bell.

“It’s amazing; it’s a true blessing,” Westbrook said. “Quite frankly, it’s not just for me, my family — my kids, wife, my mom, my brother-in-law, the entire city. Being able to grow up not even imagining you’d be able to be a professional athlete, needless to say, be in the NBA. But to be able to get your jersey retired, it creates a legacy; it creates a sense of all the work, time, effort, and energy you put into the game. I’m just truly grateful for that honor. I look forward to that night.”