Russell Westbrook played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association, establishing himself as the all-time leader in career triple-doubles. Known for his intense pace and explosive playstyle, he emerged as a dominant force at the point guard position after being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Early Development and College Years
Born in 1988 in Long Beach, California, Westbrook attended Leuzinger High School. Initially standing only 5 ft 8 in, he experienced a growth spurt to 6 ft 3 in before his senior year. He later played for the University of California, Los Angeles from 2006 to 2008. Under coach Ben Howland, he evolved from a reserve player into the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year before declaring for the NBA draft.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder
Following the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City, Westbrook began an 11-season tenure with the franchise. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2009 and reached the NBA Finals in 2012. He remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer. During this period, he secured both the 2015 and 2016 NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player awards.
Professional Honors and League Records
Westbrook secured the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2016–17 season. Throughout his career, he led the league in scoring twice and in assists three times. He is one of three players in history to average a triple-double over an entire season, a milestone he reached four times. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Later Career Transitions
Following his time in Oklahoma City, Westbrook played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers. He subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2022–23 season. After a brief period with the Utah Jazz, he joined the Denver Nuggets for the 2024–25 season and completed his final professional year with the Sacramento Kings in 2025–26.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Long Beach, California
- NBA Most Valuable Player: 2017
- NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2015, 2016
- College: University of California, Los Angeles
- Professional Career Duration: 18 seasons
- International Honors: 2010 FIBA World Championship Gold
- International Honors: 2012 Olympic Gold
Questions readers ask
How many times did Russell Westbrook average a triple-double in a season?
He achieved a triple-double average for a season four times during his career.
Which team selected Westbrook in the 2008 NBA draft?
He was selected fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Achievements
- Educated at Moda Center and University of California, Los Angeles
- Worked as basketball player
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