Russell Westbrook will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, Westbrook has opted to revert to the No. 4 jersey, a nod to his past and a significant shift in his professional journey.
A New Chapter with No. 4
This alteration marks the second time Westbrook has switched to the No. 4 jersey in his career. During his high school days, he originally sported the No. 4, a number he fondly recalls. "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 stated, reflecting on the personal meaning behind his choice.
Westbrook’s transition to Denver was made possible after the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Utah Jazz, leading to a buyout of his contract. This subsequently allowed Westbrook to join the Nuggets through free agency. The dynamic guard's arrival in Denver has been marked by a notable jersey shuffle within the team.
Christian Braun and Hunter Tyson: Key Players in the Transition
Christian Braun, currently wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets, had no previous discussion with Westbrook regarding a jersey swap. "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB 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 clarified.
Meanwhile, rookie Hunter Tyson, who initially held the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to reclaim his preferred number. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. His willingness to change numbers underscores his team-first mentality and respect for the veteran player's legacy.
A Journey Marked by Jersey Numbers
Throughout his illustrious career, Westbrook has often found his preferred No. 4 jersey already taken. At UCLA, it belonged to Arron Afflalo. "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," Westbrook recounted.
Even when he initially joined the NBA, Westbrook had to adapt. Nick Collison held the No. 4 jersey in Oklahoma City, prompting Westbrook to adopt and eventually become synonymous with the No. 0 jersey. His time with the Houston Rockets presented a similar scenario where Danuel House held the No. 4 spot. Throughout these transitions, Westbrook's ability to adapt and thrive has been a hallmark of his career.
Embracing Change and Looking Forward
While the No. 0 jersey has become iconic in its association with Westbrook’s high-energy play and tenacity, the decision to switch numbers represents more than just a superficial change. "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," Westbrook shared, emphasizing the personal significance of this choice.
Westbrook’s return to No. 4 signals a fresh chapter as he integrates into a new team environment with the Denver Nuggets. The shift not only highlights his flexibility but also adds a layer of sentimental value to his storied career. His new number is a tribute to his beginnings and a reminder of the foundation upon which his success has been built.
As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Westbrook's return to his original number will coincide with his performance on the court. His journey continues to evolve, characterized by a blend of respect for his roots and a forward-looking approach to new opportunities.