Russell Westbrook will be making yet another significant shift in his storied NBA career, as he will not don the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, the seasoned guard will switch to the No. 4 jersey, a number laden with personal history.
A Shift in Numbers
The decision to change his jersey number, however, was not driven by external pressures or the appeal of a new challenge but rather a return to his roots. "Let's please leave our young star alone," Westbrook implored, referring to Christian Braun, who currently holds the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets. "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."
The No. 4 jersey holds deep personal significance for Westbrook. He wore this number during his high school days and it symbolizes more than just a digit for the former MVP. "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," he explained. This change marks the second time he has switched to the No. 4 jersey in his professional career.
Precedents and Changes
Westbrook's professional career has seen him don different numbers due to circumstances beyond his control. "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.
Transitioning into his next chapter with the Nuggets, Westbrook has found the perfect opportunity to reclaim his favored number. Rookie Hunter Tyson, who currently holds the No. 4 jersey, has agreed to switch to No. 5, thus allowing Westbrook to don his original number once again. It's a gesture that speaks volumes about camaraderie and respect within the team.
Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. Nonetheless, his willingness to accommodate Westbrook's preference highlights his team spirit and understanding of NBA hierarchies.
A New Chapter with the Nuggets
Westbrook’s journey to the Nuggets has been one of significant movements. Initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, his path to Denver was facilitated through a buyout of his contract, eventually allowing him to join the Nuggets in free agency.
The move is not just a shift in teams but a poignant moment in Westbrook’s career. "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 stated, underscoring the personal value this change holds for him.
Christian Braun’s choice of the No. 0 jersey also has a backstory, as he too wore the same number during his high school career. This parallel in their histories adds a unique layer of continuity and respect between the two players, even as they pursue their paths within the NBA.
As Westbrook gears up for his newest adventure with the Denver Nuggets, his return to the No. 4 jersey is more than a numerical shift. It marks a return to his basketball roots, a rekindling of a personal connection that has stayed with him since high school. For the fans and the franchise, it signals Westbrook's renewed vigor and dedication as he aims to bring his electrifying style and veteran experience to the Mile High City.
With each jersey change and new beginning, Westbrook continues to evolve, forging ahead while honoring the past. His transition with the Nuggets is poised to be another captivating chapter in what has already been an extraordinary career.