Westbrook Returns to His Roots by Wearing No. 4 Jersey with Nuggets
In a significant shift for the upcoming NBA season, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets. Instead, Westbrook will once again take up the No. 4 jersey, a number with deep sentimental value for the seasoned point guard.
This decision marks the second instance in Westbrook's illustrious career where he has opted for the No. 4 jersey. Reflecting on this change, Westbrook said, "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's switch comes on the heels of a complex series of transactions. Initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook found a route to free agency through a buyout of his contract. This maneuver allowed him to sign with the Denver Nuggets, setting the stage for his jersey number shift.
However, the No. 0 jersey wasn’t available for Westbrook in Denver. That number is currently held by Christian Braun, a promising talent who also donned No. 0 during his high school career. Addressing any potential speculation about requesting the number, Westbrook clarified, "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."
Interestingly, the No. 4 jersey wasn’t immediately available either. Held by Nuggets rookie Hunter Tyson, Westbrook’s acquisition of this number was made possible by Tyson’s agreeable switch to No. 5. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had previously appeared in just 18 games, averaging under three minutes per game. His willingness to accommodate Westbrook highlights the layers of teamwork and camaraderie within the Nuggets roster.
Looking back at his career, Westbrook’s connection with the No. 4 jersey has roots that go deep into his early years. "In high school, I wore the No. 4 jersey. 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 shared in a reflective moment.
The evolution of jersey numbers for Westbrook has been more than just a matter of aesthetics. It represents a narrative of career transitions, personal growth, and a return to self-identity. "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 explained.
For the Nuggets, having a player of Westbrook’s caliber brings not only experience but also a fresh perspective and enthusiasm that can only bode well for the team's prospects. As the team gathers momentum for the new season, Westbrook’s presence is set to inject a renewed energy into the roster, his No. 4 jersey symbolizing a blend of legacy and forward-thinking ambitions.
Christian Braun's role in this transition cannot be ignored. Holding onto the No. 0 jersey, Braun ensures continuity for the team's fans and symbolizes the integration of rising talent with seasoned experience. For Westbrook, this move marks another chapter in a career defined by its dynamism and adaptability, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season for the Denver Nuggets.