When a player the caliber and impact of Russell Westbrook retires, everyone starts thinking about what the best ways are to honor them. There are a number of options in this scenario at the local, national, and global levels. Being that his final games were played for the Sacramento Kings, it's safe to say that a lot of attention will be paid to how Sactown handles showing respect to Brodie.
First-Ballot Naismith Hall of Fame Induction
This is a no-brainer if there ever was one. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's entire purpose is to honor players who have left the game better than when they found it. There's no doubt that Westbrook has more than earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
Keep in mind that winning a title isn't the sole benchmark for success in the NBA. All you have to do is go down Westbrook's lengthy list of accomplishments to see how much he has done. There's no question that a spot in the Hall of Fame is reserved for him at this point.
Home opener honors at Golden 1 Center
For the Kings, being part of Westbrook's legacy, even for only one season, is huge for them. Sacramento will always be tied to him as the last franchise he played for before retiring from the league. Plus, he actually had a darn good season while there.
The Kings' home opener for the 2026-2027 season against the Warriors should be dedicated to him. Show a video package. Let him light the beam. Ask him to say a few words at center court while the audience gives him a standing ovation. It's a nice way for Sactown to say thank you.
Retiring his jersey and number in Oklahoma City
Brodie's best years were, by far, spent with the Thunder in OKC. While his time there didn't earn the franchise a championship, he helped lay the groundwork that built this team into the borderline juggernaut it currently is. That is more than deserving of some sort of honor.
The option that makes the most sense is retiring his iconic number 0 jersey and raising it to the rafters where it belongs. On top of that, the franchise could consider putting up a statue to him outside the stadium and the city could also rename a street after him.
NBA naming a community award after Westbrook
While this doesn't get discussed often, Westbrook is heavily involved with a number of charities and is respected for his philanthropic work. That includes his own Why Not? Foundation, which has a variety of initiatives such as improving literacy and launching reading centers.
The NBA has awards for community involvement and support, and could name one after Westbrook. It would be a great way to not only honor his time on the court but how he spends his time off the court. That's a truly meaningful gesture.
Both the Olympics and FIBA have options to honor him
It's not just the NBA who can and should honor Westbrook. Both FIBA and the Olympics can do the same. Westbrook's legendary 2010 performance in winning the FIBA World Championship and the part he played in securing the USA's gold medal at the 2012 Olympics have earned him that.
Westbrook will be eligible for the FIBA Hall of Fame in a few years and will likely be honored at future World Cup events. The IOC could also give Westbrook the Olympic Order, though that is usually reserved for career Olympic athletes. Still, he could still receive such an honor.
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