Will Thunder retire 'Westbrook' jersey? Fans push for high honor

Former Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Russell Westbrook announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, and Thunder fans are already asking the organization to raise his jersey to the rafters.

Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder after being drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Supersonics in 2008. He is one of just three Oklahoma City players to have won the NBA Most Valuable Player award, alongside Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and many fans still consider Westbrook to be one of the most influential players in franchise history.

Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti released a statement after the announcement.

"Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor," the statement read. "His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired our community in every year thereafter.

"Russell will be as successful in his life after basketball as he was during his career because his qualities and gifts transfer. His impact on our community is still felt today, and he is beloved for his devotion as much as his talent.

"He built a Hall of Fame career not by making statements or simply by breaking records, he did it by showing us all the power of asking one simple question: Why Not?”

In 18 years of franchise history, only one player has had his jersey retired at the Oklahoma City Thunder: Nick Collison's No. 4, retired in 2019.

The organization has not commented on whether Westbrook's No. 0 will join Collison in the rafters, but fans are speaking up on their wishes. Some are even asking Presti to build a statue for the former MVP; others want the team to sign Westbrook for a one-day contract to play a farewell game in front of the Thunder faithful.

How is the jersey retirement process in the NBA?

There is no league-wide formula to retire a jersey in the NBA, as the decision is entirely up to each franchise.

Players have had their jerseys retired for various reasons, including franchise impact, cultural legacy and ties to the city. Discussions regarding Westbrook's jersey retirement in Oklahoma City may include all three aspects and more, as the former guard helped shape the organization into a successful franchise through his loyalty to the team. Westbrook still leads the Thunder in all-time points, assists and steals.

In addition, Westbrook is still heavily involved in the Oklahoma City community, most recently serving as a major investor and creative director for OKC for Soccer, helping build the new soccer stadium and establish the upcoming OKC United team.

The Thunder is expected to eventually host a jersey retirement ceremony for Westbrook at Paycom Center.

Which players have their jerseys in the Paycom Center rafters?

Nick Collison's No. 4 jersey is the only jersey retired by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played his entire 14-year NBA career with the Thunder or the Supersonics, and was celebrated for his ethics and leadership.

March 20, the day the ceremony was held, has since been declared Nick Collison Day in Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will Thunder retire 'Westbrook' jersey? Fans push for high honor

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