Russell Westbrook’s Retirement Forces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Break 5-Year X Sabbatical: “OKC Legend Forever”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent his own special appreciation to Russell Westbrook and his illustrious career.

Russell Westbrook’s Retirement Forces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Break 5-Year X Sabbatical: “OKC Legend Forever”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Russell Westbrook (Image credits - Bleacher Report)

Russell Westbrook and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander share one thing in common. They transformed the Oklahoma City Thunder and are undoubtedly the franchise’s two greatest players.

Unfortunately for Thunder fans, they never had the chance to see the two superstars play together. SGA joined the team in the summer of 2019, while Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets just a week later.

They may not have played as teammates, but it was a passing-of-the-torch moment for the Thunder. With SGA taking over from Westbrook as the franchise’s centerpiece, he led the team to its first-ever championship in 2025.

It had been five years since SGA last posted on X. He ended his long wait as he paid tribute to the former Thunder player, who announced his retirement a couple of days ago.

A real OKC legend forever. Congrats on an amazing career brother . Appreciate your contributions to the game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on X

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is known to be a quiet personality. His recent post on X was the perfect time to end his five-year sabbatical as he joined the entire NBA world in paying tribute and expressing appreciation for Westbrook and his illustrious career. The former Thunder guard called time on his 18-year career a couple of days ago.

Westbrook was drafted by the Thunder in 2008, and the rest is history. He gave the franchise some of their greatest moments in history as he developed into one of the best players of his generation.

He may not have won a championship for them, but he did leave the franchise as the all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and triple-doubles. Some have even demanded that the Thunder build a statue in his name after everything he had achieved during his time there.

RELATED
Kevin Durant’s Wholesome Tribute to Russell Westbrook Melts Hearts – “This Hit Different”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over from Russell Westbrook as the cornerstone of OKC

Prior to SGA’s move to the Thunder, Westbrook was the face of the franchise. He spent 11 seasons in the franchise and formed one of the most fearsome duos in the NBA alongside Kevin Durant.

During his spell with the Thunder, he won two scoring titles, one assists title, one MVP award, and he also became a perennial All-Star player. With Durant as his teammate, the two led their team to their first-ever NBA Finals in 2012 but were beaten by LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games. Despite their loss, many believed that it was a sign of greater things to come.

Unfortunately, that era ended after Westbrook’s departure in 2019. Since SGA joined the Thunder in 2019, the team has grown into one of the strongest teams in recent times with the Canadian international at the helm.

SGA has completed seven seasons in OKC. During this period, he has won two league MVPs, one scoring title, and, most importantly, led the franchise to its first-ever championship in 2025, when he was named Finals MVP. While he and the Thunder came up short this year, they are still seen as one of the favorites to win their second title next year.

Russell Westbrook is the greatest Thunder player of all time, according to Raymond Felton

Russell Westbrook will forever be regarded for the energy he brought on to the court and for being the most athletic point guard in league history. However, for all his accolades and achievements, he has faced a lot of criticism for his style of play.

Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook (Image credits – SB Nation)

Some even claim his style of play was one of the main reasons he never won a title in his career. But that should take nothing away from what he has done in his career, especially during his time in OKC.

Former NBA star Raymond Felton labeled Westbrook as the greatest Thunder player of all time.

He is stamped in OKC. The best player, the favorite. Shai is number 2. I think he will always be number 2. What Russ did in OKC, you got to understand he built that. There was no team in OKC. Russ built the winning culture, he stayed loyal, he stayed down with the fans. Russell Westbrook will be the all-time favorite Thunder player ever.

Raymond Felton on To The Baha

There is no doubt Westbrook set the culture in OKC before SGA arrived. However, it is hard to argue against SGA being the greatest Thunder player of all time after everything he’s achieved for them. Westbrook may be the most beloved figure among OKC fans, but SGA has surpassed him in terms of accolades, and he is not done yet.

Also Read: