In the wake of the club's recent injury woes, speculation about a reunion between the OKC Thunder and franchise legend Russell Westbrook had been growing. Despite the fact that he announced his retirement this offseason, many believed a return to the league wasn't out of the question.
What better way to come out of retirement than to sign with the club that he built his Hall of Fame resume with and help them navigate these unprecedentedly challenging times?
Sadly, a news report on Monday seemingly shut the door on this kind of hope for good, but it managed to do so in the most exciting way possible.
It has officially been revealed that the Thunder have set February 7 as the official date that they'll be retiring Westbrook's jersey, celebrating and closing the book on what was a truly legendary run for The Brodie in the Sooner State.
With this announcement, it's set to become official that No. 0 will, in fact, be making its way back to the Paycom Center this season... though only up in the rafters, not on the hardwood.
Russell Westbrook dominates Thunder history books
As Sam Presti put it, "Many players make an impact, but only great ones leave a legacy."
Westbrook's legacy can be found all throughout the Thunder's history books.
The NBA's all-time triple-double leader also finds himself ranking first among OKC players (excluding those who suited up for the SuperSonics) in points (18,859), assists (6,897), rebounds (5,760), field goals made (6,626), and steals (1,442).
Of course, his legacy out in Oklahoma City isn't just limited to what he did on the floor, but also to what he did for the community off of it.
Whether it's his countless charitable donations or his partnership with Echo Investment Capital, Westbrook has always made it a priority to give back to the city he credits for raising him, and has even gone on record over the years following his departure from the Thunder, saying, "Anything that's happening in Oklahoma City, for the future and for the growth of Oklahoma City, I will be a part of it."
Now, the nine-time All-Star and 2017 MVP will forever be part of the Thunder's incredibly exclusive club of retired jerseys, joining only the beloved Nick Collins' No. 4 up in the rafters.
Though his playing career may be officially over, the lore of Russell Westbrook will forever live on in the Sooner State, and fans will be reminded of it every time they step foot into Paycom Center and, come the 2028-29 season, the Continental Coliseum from February 7 on.
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