Russell Westbrook Recruited to BIG3 By Ice Cube After NBA Retirement, 'Why Not Keep it Going?'

Former NBA star guard Russell Westbrook retired Wednesday after a fantastic career that included nine All-Star Game appearances, nine All-NBA teams, the 2016-17 NBA MVP award and a spot on the league's 75th Anniversary Team.

However, Ice Cube would love to see Westbrook continue his basketball-playing career in the BIG3, where retired NBA players have found a new home.

Ice Cube made the following remarks on the Pat McAfee Show when asked if he would reach out directly to Westbrook (7:58 mark).

"We'll give him a week," Ice Cube joked before continuing. "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.

"Not only him, but a lot of players that are superstars out here in the world of basketball. 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 2026 BIG3 season is winding down with playoffs starting on Saturday, but based on his comments, Ice Cube would certainly have eyes on Westbrook potentially playing in 2027.

Although the 37-year-old Westbrook's NBA career is over, he clearly showed fans that he can still be productive. In his last NBA season (with the Sacramento Kings), Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game.

He would likely dominate the BIG3 as he once did the NBA. For now, Westbrook is enjoying the first days of retirement.