By admin 
Russell Westbrook caught many people off guard with his recent retirement announcement. The 37-year-old point guard posted a heartfelt video across all his social media accounts, titled Museum of Unspoken Answers, featuring Russ strolling through an exhibit as Michael B. Jordan narrated some of the former Oklahoma City Thunder MVP’s all-time career moments.
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Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.
You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV
– Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026
During his 18 seasons in the NBA, Westbrook enthralled fans with freakish athleticism and relentless competitive drive. A walking highlight reel, he often had spectators on the edge of their seats, thanks to his electrifying dunks and the lightning speed at which he operated. Russ embodied what it meant to leave everything on the floor, emerging as a triple-double machine.
Russell did have a certain flair to his game, an attribute that extended beyond the court, especially in his fashion choices. Interestingly, unlike many of his peers, Russ did not seek help from a stylist, taking most of the onus on himself when it came to experimenting with his outfits, not to mention the role that he played in redefining the pregame tunnel walk.
Elaborating on all of the above, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reflected on Westbrook’s decorated career following his retirement announcement.
“I want to acknowledge that Russell Westbrook will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, redefined the triple-double, MVP. One of the greatest natural athletes I’ve ever seen. He was in an era where social media very largely defined the NBA. Russell Westbrook contributed a lot to it. He helped make the red carpet, or whatever we call the entrance walk, he redefined that,”
Russell Westbrook arrived wearing an “official photographer” vest.
As @royceyoung points out, one of Kevin Durant’s hobbies is photography. pic.twitter.com/flaJz9GPTM
– ESPN (@espn) November 4, 2016
Providing further context on the above, many believed this was an indirect dig at Westbrook’s former Thunder teammate Kevin Durant, who had a penchant for photography. It was the first time that the two had been on opposite sides since KD signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
Iconic fashion moments
Despite the polarizing reception, Westbrook remains one of the league’s leading fashion trendsetters. Shedding further light on this, Complex’s Mike DeStefano decided to take a walk down memory lane, highlighting some of “Mr. Triple-Double’s” statement outfits.
Why Russell Westbrook Is One of the NBA’s Most Important Style Icons Details: https://t.co/qjnxnPaIMhpic.twitter.com/dAj5TvBj5M
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– Complex (@Complex) August 12, 2026
One such instance was the 2012 NBA Finals, when Brodie pulled off a white Lacoste polo shirt with colorful fishing lures and lensless red glasses. This was followed by a brown blazer, a gray-and-black striped tie, duck camo pants, and a yellow belt, paired with his Air Jordan 5s (Tokyo edition) during the 2013 All-Star Weekend.
Westbrook’s bold outlook also landed him on the April/May 2013 issue of Complex Magazine, which featured the nine-time All-Star wearing black leather shorts and mesh tank tops.
Russ’ fashion choices often had him on the receiving end of a lot of trolling, including Hall of Famer Charles Barkley poking fun at it on several occasions. At the same time, in 2017, Sports Illustrated addressed Westbrook as the Most Fashionable Athlete. In addition, he was also named the best-dressed player by the NBPA from 2016 to 2019.
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Leaving a cultural impact
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Russ was never one to adhere to public perception or opinion. Even though this earned him his fair share of hate, too, the former Bruin remained defiant. Speaking of his interest in personal style, Westbrook once revealed that, growing up, he was always drawn to fashion but did not have the means or the finances for it.
In a 2017 interview with TIME, when asked about how his outfits garnered as much attention as his triple-doubles, Westbrook had the following response.
“Basketball is the axis that allows me to do the things that I do. I have so much love for the game, and it gives me to the option to be able to jump into fashion. I really love that they’re both different ways to express yourself; basketball is one way to express yourself, as is what you wear.”
Westbrook was one of a kind, never letting anyone dictate how he approached things both on and off the court, staying true to his “Why Not” philosophy.
Related: Draymond Green bashes the narrative that Russell Westbrook was a stat padder: “Just appreciate the greatness for what it is”
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 8:02 AM.