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Carmelo Anthony predicted Russell Westbrook's retirement last year

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 5:45 PM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Carmelo Anthony predicted Russell Westbrook's retirement last year

Summary

Russell Westbrook retired from the NBA this week after an 18-season career, having played for seven teams. Carmelo Anthony, his former teammate, had predicted Westbrook's retirement during an October 2025 podcast, discussing the challenges Westbrook faced in his career. Anthony noted that players often struggle with feelings of being pushed out of the game, leading to difficult decisions about retirement. Westbrook is expected to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, likely on the first ballot.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Westbrook played for the NBA for 18 seasons.
•Anthony made his prediction on a podcast in October 2025.
•Westbrook had an impactful career with seven franchises.
•Anthony discussed challenges athletes face in retirement decisions.
•Westbrook is expected to join the Hall of Fame soon.

Latest Updates

5:45 PMYahoo Sports — Carmelo Anthony precisely predicted Westbrook's retirement last year

What they're saying

"
“As a player, if you know you’re not ready to walk away from the game, and like you’ve been pushed away from the game, you want to prove yourself.”
— Yahoo Sports

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