Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins said Russell Westbrook deserves a statue in Oklahoma City and should have his jersey retired by the team.
The proposal highlights the enduring impact of Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise and the city's sports culture. Such honors are typically reserved for players who define an era of a team's history.
Perkins said Westbrook is the second-greatest player in the history of the Thunder. This assessment follows a career that spanned 18 NBA seasons [1]. The push for a statue and jersey retirement stems from Westbrook's individual dominance and leadership during his tenure in Oklahoma.
Among the achievements Perkins cited was Westbrook's selection as the 2016-17 NBA MVP [2]. That season remains a benchmark for individual performance in the league. Perkins said these accolades, combined with his overall contribution to the U.S. city, merit a permanent physical tribute.
While the Thunder organization has not officially announced plans for a statue, the discussion reflects the high regard in which Westbrook is held by his former teammates. The combination of a retired jersey, and a statue, would place Westbrook among the most honored figures in the franchise's history.
“Kendrick Perkins said Russell Westbrook deserves a statue in Oklahoma City”
The call for a statue and jersey retirement underscores the tension between individual statistical greatness and team championship success. While Westbrook did not win a title in Oklahoma City, his 2016-17 MVP season and long-term tenure created a cultural legacy that transcends the win-loss column, prompting former peers to advocate for the highest form of franchise recognition.
