Russell Westbrook is undoubtedly one of the most talented basketball players in the modern NBA. He’s won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple All-Star selections, a Most Valuable Player award, and countless triple-doubles. But when it comes to championships, Westbrook hasn’t yet reached the top of the mountain. So how many rings does Russell Westbrook have? The short answer is zero, but let’s explore his career in more detail.
Westbrook entered the NBA in 2008 after playing college basketball at UCLA. He was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics (who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder) and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In his rookie season, Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His numbers only continued to improve in the years that followed, as he developed into one of the league’s premier point guards.
Despite Westbrook’s individual success, the Thunder weren’t able to win a championship during his tenure in Oklahoma City. They came close in 2012, making it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat in five games. However, they never made it back to the Finals with Westbrook as their star player. In fact, the Thunder missed the playoffs entirely in both 2015 and 2019, which were two of Westbrook’s best statistical seasons.
After 11 seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in July 2019. He teamed up with James Harden, another former MVP winner, in an attempt to bring a championship to Houston. The duo had some success, leading the Rockets to the Western Conference semifinals in the 2020 playoffs. However, they were ultimately eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to win the championship.
So as of the end of the 2020-2021 NBA season, Russell Westbrook has zero championship rings. This fact is often cited by detractors who argue that Westbrook’s individual statistics don’t translate to team success. However, it’s worth noting that basketball is a team sport, and winning a championship requires much more than just one player’s performance.
There are plenty of great players who have never won a championship, including the likes of Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and John Stockton. Just because Westbrook hasn’t won a ring yet doesn’t diminish his accomplishments on the court. He’s a ten-time All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in multiple seasons. Those are all incredible feats that speak to Westbrook’s talent and work ethic.
Of course, Westbrook himself is surely disappointed that he hasn’t won a championship yet. He’s a fierce competitor who is always striving for more. But whether or not he ever lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy, there’s no denying that he’s one of the best players of his generation. His impact on the game of basketball will be felt for years to come, regardless of how many rings he ends up with.