Did Russell Westbrook Join the Houston Rockets After NBA Retirement? Fact Checking Rumors on the 2017 MVP

Rumors that Russell Westbrook rejoined the Houston Rockets after retirement were false, according to a fact-check of a viral post. Social media account “theboxscoreph” claimed the 2017 MVP had been hired by Houston as a player development coach, citing a young roster that includes Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, and alleging Westbrook’s return despite his retirement announcement. The post drew thousands of likes and shares, but the story’s key point is that the account’s bio says it’s satire, parody, and that readers should take the content “at your own risk.” The article adds that Westbrook’s current project is outside the NBA: he joined the board of Project B, a rival basketball league, with details pending. Houston has, meanwhile, hired veteran assistant Chip Engelland this offseason.