Westbrook's Jersey Journey: A New Chapter in Denver
Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic figures in modern basketball, will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. This marks a significant shift for Westbrook, who has been synonymous with the No. 0 throughout his illustrious career. However, for the upcoming season, Westbrook will don the No. 4 jersey, a number with deep personal significance to him.
Switching to No. 4 isn't entirely new to Westbrook. It's the second time he's embraced this number during his professional journey. In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4, a number that symbolizes his roots and beginnings. "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 expressed, shedding light on his emotional connection to the digit.
The transition to Denver for Westbrook comes after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. A subsequent buyout of his contract offered him the chance to join the Nuggets in free agency. This move has set the stage for an intriguing new chapter in his career, underscored by the switch back to his high school number.
The No. 0 jersey in Denver is currently worn by Christian Braun, a decision that did not stem from any pressure or conversation between the players. Westbrook emphasized, "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's decision to switch numbers wasn’t merely pragmatic. "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," he clarified. This sentiment underscores the significance of the No. 4 to Westbrook, a number that he associates with pivotal moments early in his life and career.
The No. 4 jersey in Denver belonged to rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson, who had previously worn No. 4 and appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game, graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, accommodating Westbrook's desire to reclaim his original number.
This journey of Westbrook with the No. 4 has been a recurring theme throughout his career. Arron Afflalo had the No. 4 jersey when Westbrook was at UCLA. Then in Oklahoma City, Nick Collison held the number, and in Houston, Danuel House did. "When I got to Oklahoma, even at UCLA, 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 shared, reflecting on the various stages of his professional journey.
Christian Braun, who continues to sport the No. 0 jersey, also wore that number during his high school career. Westbrook’s respect for Braun’s choice points to the camaraderie and team spirit that define professional sports at this level.
As Westbrook prepares to embark on this new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, his choice of the No. 4 jersey is more than just a numerical change. It’s an homage to his roots, a nod to his past, and a personal statement marking a fresh chapter in his storied career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this seasoned veteran, now with a symbolic number on his back, will influence the Nuggets' pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.