Charlie Villanueva Reminisces on Russell Westbrook Feud in Video Congratulating Star on Retirement

Charlie Villanueva paid his respects to Russell Westbrook after his former NBA rival announced his retirement from the league.

Villanueva responded to the news by sharing the infamous clip of him stepping in between Westbrook and his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Cameron Payne while the two were dancing before a game against the Dallas Mavericks in 2016.

"Congrats on an incredible career and retirement... much respect," Villanueva captioned the post. "Definitely didn't always get along on the court as I recall... but always respect the way you competed and played the game. Real talk! Hell of a career... salute."

Westbrook and Villanueva clashed multiple times on the court and shaded one another through the media during Westbrook's career with the Thunder.

Villanueva mostly famously told Westbrook to "go to a nightclub" if he wanted to dance before games, to which Westbrook responded by saying Villanueva's actions were for "guys who don't play."

Villanueva ultimately played a total 11 NBA seasons before retiring after the 2015-16 campaign.

Westbrook went on to play 18 seasons, most recently representing the Sacramento Kings during the 2025-26 campaign, before announcing his retirement Wednesday. He leaves the league as the all-time leader in triple-doubles and the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history.