Russell Westbrook is set to take on a new chapter in his career with the Denver Nuggets, but he won't be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey. Instead, Westbrook will don the No. 4 jersey, a number that has been significant to him since his high school days.
The Jersey Shuffle
This decision to switch to No. 4 marks the second time in his professional journey that Westbrook has opted for this number. The change comes as a result of a trade and subsequent buyout. Initially, Westbrook was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. A buyout of his contract then allowed him to join the Nuggets in free agency.
Historically, Westbrookâs choice of jersey numbers has often been dictated by circumstance. At UCLA, Arron Afflalo wore the No. 4 jersey, compelling Westbrook to choose a different number. Similarly, when he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nick Collison held the No. 4, and Danuel House had it when Westbrook arrived in Houston. This time, Westbrook made a deliberate choice to reclaim his original number.
A Nod to the Past
"Four is my favorite number," Westbrook shared. "It reminds me and it gives me a sense of my roots and where I started from and where I get it from." Indeed, his sentiment echoes his journey, as he first wore No. 4 during his high school years. The switch symbolizes a return to basics, a homage to his beginnings.
Hunter Tyson, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, initially held the No. 4 jersey for the Nuggets. Tyson, who has appeared in just 18 games and averaged under three minutes per game, agreed to switch his jersey to No. 5 to accommodate the incoming star. This gesture has made way for Westbrook to officially claim No. 4 before an eagerly anticipated season.
Respect for Teammates
In a respectful nod to his new teammates, Westbrook has voiced his concern about giving Christian Braun, who currently wears No. 0 for the Nuggets, the respect he deserves. "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 explained, emphasizing the voluntary nature of his decision. "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."
New Beginnings
As Westbrook gears up for his debut with the Nuggets, this symbolic change may reflect more than a numerical shift; it could signify a fresh start and new opportunities for one of the NBA's most dynamic players. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Westbrook fits into his new role with the Denver Nuggets and what new heights he can achieve with his preferred number back on his jersey.
With Christian Braun wearing No. 0 and Hunter Tyson moving to No. 5, the Nuggets are poised for a season of change and promise. Westbrook's experience and talent, combined with the enthusiasm and potential of the team's younger players, make for an intriguing mix. As the season unfolds, the implications of this number change will be a storyline to follow, encapsulating the blend of legacy and forward momentum that defines Westbrook's illustrious career.