Walk into any gym in America. You’ll see it. That bright sunset orange or the classic loud blue with the number zero stitched across the back. It has been years since Russell Westbrook actually suited up for the Thunder, yet the Oklahoma City Thunder Westbrook jersey remains a cultural staple that refuses to die. Honestly, it’s kind of weird when you think about how fast the NBA moves. Players change teams like they’re swapping shirts, and usually, those old jerseys end up in the clearance bin at T.J. Maxx within six months. Not this one.
Russ was different.
The jersey isn't just a piece of polyester; it’s a relic of an era where one guy decided to play every single possession like his life depended on it. If you own one, you aren't just a fan of a team. You’re likely a fan of that specific brand of chaotic, high-octane energy that defined OKC for a decade. People still buy these things. They hunt for the "Statement Edition" or the "City Edition" on resale sites because the modern jerseys just don't hit the same way.
The Triple-Double Effect and Why the "0" Matters
When Westbrook arrived in Oklahoma City, the franchise was a blank slate. They had just moved from Seattle. The "Thunder" brand was brand new. Then came the 2016-2017 season. Kevin Durant left for the Warriors, and everyone thought the Thunder were toast. Instead, Westbrook went on a rampage.
He averaged a triple-double. Nobody had done that since Oscar Robertson in 1962.
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Wearing an Oklahoma City Thunder Westbrook jersey during that time felt like wearing a superhero cape. He wasn't just playing basketball; he was stat-padding his way into the history books in the most entertaining way possible. Every night was a potential 50-point triple-double. Fans in the Paycom Center (then Chesapeake Energy Arena) didn't just watch the game—they waited for the next "Russ roar" after a contested dunk.
That season solidified the "0" as a symbol of loyalty. While others left, he stayed and signed the extension. That’s why you see so many people still rocking the 2017 MVP-era threads. It represents a time when a small-market team stood its ground against the giants of the league. If you're looking for a jersey that signifies "loyalty over everything," this is the one. It’s arguably more iconic than the jerseys worn by KD or James Harden in OKC because Russ was the one who turned the lights out when the party supposedly ended.
The Evolution of the Jersey Styles
You’ve got options if you’re looking to pick one up today. The most common is the "Icon Edition"—the standard blue. It’s fine. It’s classic. But the real collectors go for the more obscure stuff.
Take the "Sunset" orange jerseys from the 2015-2016 era. They were polarizing. Some people thought they looked like traffic cones. Others loved the vibrancy. Today, a pristine Westbrook "Sunset" jersey is a gold mine on the secondary market. Then there are the "City Edition" jerseys. The 2018-2019 version featured turquoise and patterns inspired by Native American heritage. It was beautiful. It felt like Oklahoma. Seeing Russ fly down the lane in that specific jersey created some of the best photography in NBA history.
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The fit changed over time, too. Back in the early 2010s, Adidas made the jerseys, and they were a bit baggier. When Nike took over in 2017, the cut became more athletic, more tapered. Most modern fans prefer the Nike Swingman because it doesn't feel like you’re wearing a tent. Plus, the "Dri-FIT" tech actually works if you’re actually playing in it rather than just wearing it to a bar.
Authentics vs. Swingman: What Should You Actually Buy?
Don't get scammed. There's a huge difference between what you find on a shady third-party site and what you get from a legitimate retailer.
The Swingman is the middle ground. It has heat-applied graphics. It looks great from five feet away. The Authentic is the real deal—stitched numbers, breathable side panels, and the exact cut the players wore. Expect to pay double for the Authentic. Is it worth it? If you're framing it, yes. If you're wearing it to a backyard BBQ where there's a 40% chance of mustard stains, just stick with the Swingman.
There's also the "Replica" or "Fanatics Branded" version. Personally? Avoid them. The wide shoulders and screen-printed numbers feel cheap. A Westbrook jersey deserves better than that. You want the texture. You want that "0" to have some weight to it.
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Why the Market Is Still Flooded (And Why Prices Are High)
Usually, when a player leaves, the team shop clears out the stock for $30. That happened briefly when Russ was traded to the Rockets in 2019. But then something interesting happened. The value stopped dropping and started climbing back up.
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
The current OKC Thunder team is incredibly talented with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, but they represent a different "vibe." They are surgical and efficient. Russ was a sledgehammer. People miss the sledgehammer. Because of that, the Oklahoma City Thunder Westbrook jersey has transitioned from "current gear" to "vintage classic."
You can find them on eBay, Grailed, or Depop. Be careful with "New with Tags" listings from overseas; if the price looks too good to be true, the embroidery is probably going to look like a bowl of spaghetti on the inside. Look for the "jock tag" at the bottom left of the jersey. On real Nike jerseys, that tag should be crisp, not bubbly or poorly stitched.
Taking Care of Your "0"
If you manage to snag a high-quality Westbrook jersey, don't just throw it in the wash with your jeans. That’s how you ruin the heat-pressed numbers. Flip it inside out. Use cold water. Never, ever put it in the dryer. Let it air dry. If you treat it right, that jersey will last another decade, and by then, it’ll be a legitimate piece of sports history.
Actionable Steps for the Serious Collector
- Check the SKU: If buying "deadstock" (old but new) from a private seller, ask for a photo of the inner tags to verify the Nike or Adidas manufacturing codes.
- Prioritize the 2016-2017 MVP Year: If you want the most "meaningful" version, look for the jerseys with the gold "Championship" tab on the back collar (though OKC hasn't won a title, some jerseys from that era have specific anniversary patches).
- Avoid "Custom" Replicas: Some sites offer to make a "new" Westbrook jersey using the current Thunder template. Don't do it. Russ never wore the current 2024/2025 designs. It looks wrong. Stick to the designs he actually wore on the court.
- Size Up for Nike: Nike Swingman jerseys run notoriously small and slim. If you’re usually a Large in t-shirts, go XL if you want to wear a hoodie underneath it.
- Verify the Sponsor Patch: Real jerseys sold at the stadium often have the "Love's" travel stops patch. Some collectors hate the patch; others want it for "on-court" accuracy. Know which camp you're in before you click "buy."