Russell Westbrook’s basketball career may not be over after all. The former NBA MVP announced his retirement Wednesday after 18 seasons, bringing an extraordinary run to an end at age 37.
Westbrook made the announcement through a reflective video narrated by Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan. The former Oklahoma City Thunder star leaves the NBA as a nine-time All-Star, 2017 MVP and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. He also won two scoring titles, led the league in assists three times, finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles with 209 and won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
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But less than 24 hours later, BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube made it clear he would like to see Westbrook continue playing.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the rap icon revealed he wants to give Westbrook another reason to keep playing, noting that the future Hall of Famer has a week to consider joining the league.
“We’ll give him a week,” Ice Cube said on Thursday. “People want to see him play regardless if he plays in the NBA or not, people want to see him play. He still has millions of fans who would love to see him come out and play in the BIG3… Why not give the fans what they want? It’s a league where you’re around your peers, you’re around greatness, being a part of the BIG3. It’s fun. Why not keep it going?”
The BIG3 has become a second basketball home for established NBA names who retired from the NBA but still have something left to offer.
Founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017, the league features three-on-three, half-court basketball and has attracted players including Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley.
