Russell Westbrook Will Don New Number for Denver Nuggets
For over a decade, Russell Westbrook’s identity on the basketball court has been synonymous with the No. 0 jersey. However, in the upcoming NBA season, the dynamic guard will bid farewell to his iconic number as he embarks on a new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, instead wearing the No. 4 jersey for only the second time in his professional career.
Westbrook's connection to the No. 4 jersey traces back to his high school days, and the change comes as part of a fresh start with the Nuggets. This decision follows a series of transitions involving several players and their jersey numbers within the team. Amidst these changes, Christian Braun, who notably wore the No. 0 jersey during his own high school career, will continue to retain No. 0 for the Nuggets.
The switch was not without its negotiations. Rookie Hunter Tyson, who initially held the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby allowing Westbrook to reclaim his original number. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has appeared in just 18 games for Denver, averaging under three minutes per game. His willingness to switch numbers highlights the respect and accommodation players have for Westbrook's storied career.
Reflecting on his decision to change numbers, Westbrook candidly shared his thoughts: "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB [Christian Braun] and I never discussed him passing along the number 0. I did want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number."
Westbrook further elaborated on his choice: "Obviously I could have stayed with zero if I wanted to, but I just decided to [pick four]. It's kind of my first time in my career I can go back to my original number." This nod to his past brings a sense of nostalgia and a connection to his roots.
The veteran guard's affection for No. 4 is not merely arbitrary; it is laden with personal significance. "Four is my favorite number. It reminds me and it gives me a sense of my roots and where I started from and where I get it from," Westbrook reflected. His journey through various teams has often been marked by the unavailability of this cherished number. "When I got to Oklahoma, even at UCLA, I got there, Arron Afflalo had it at UCLA. Then I got to Oklahoma City, Nick Collison had it. Then when I got to Houston, Danuel House had it. So I didn't have an opportunity to kind of go back to my original number," he recounted.
This poignant return to No. 4 is more than just a numerical change; it symbolizes a return to basics for Westbrook, a grounding in his foundational years and an homage to his developmental journey. Such a move also underscores his sense of readiness to start a new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, a team looking to integrate his experience and prowess to bolster their roster.
Westbrook’s journey to the Nuggets was facilitated through a series of notable transactions. He was initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Subsequently, a contract buyout with the Jazz allowed him to join the Nuggets as a free agent, marking a significant acquisition for the Denver-based team.
For Nuggets fans, the upcoming season promises to be exciting as they anticipate what Westbrook, now wearing No. 4, can bring to the team. His storied career, characterized by explosive plays and relentless energy, adds a new dynamic to the Nuggets' ambitions. As Westbrook steps onto the court, the sight of him in the No. 4 jersey will serve as a visual reminder of both his historic journey and his fresh start in Denver, inviting fans to look forward to what lies ahead with cautious optimism and eager anticipation.