Russell Westbrook will be making a significant change in his career as he joins the Denver Nuggets, opting not to wear his iconic No. 0 jersey. Instead, Westbrook will don the No. 4 jersey, following a series of events and decisions that trace back to his high school days.
A Familiar Number with Deep Roots
In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds personal significance for him. "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 shared, underscoring the nostalgic value of the number.
When Westbrook joined the NBA, his journey with No. 4 often faced interruptions. "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 explained. This persistence with the number reflects his deep connection to it, despite the challenges.
A Path to Denver
Westbrook's journey to the Denver Nuggets began with his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Subsequently, a buyout of his contract facilitated his move to the Nuggets during free agency. With his arrival in Denver, the question arose: what number would he choose?
The No. 0 jersey was already taken by Christian Braun, a young player who has made it his own. "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, expressing respect for Braun's claim to the jersey.
Switch in Numbers
The No. 4 jersey, however, wasn't immediately available either. Rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, held the number. Tyson, who has appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game, graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby freeing up the No. 4 jersey for Westbrook.
Reflecting on his decision, Westbrook stated, "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." This moment marks only the second time in his professional career that he will wear No. 4, making it a significant milestone for the seasoned player.
A New Chapter
Westbrook's return to No. 4 symbolizes more than just a number change. It is a homage to his roots and the early stages of his journey, merging his past with his present in a poignant way. As he steps onto the court for the Denver Nuggets, fans will not only see a dynamic player but a man reconnecting with his beginnings.
With Christian Braun firmly in his No. 0 jersey, another player who wore No. 0 during his high school career, and Hunter Tyson adjusting to his new number, the Nuggets' roster reflects a blend of respect, camaraderie, and new beginnings.
This upcoming season will indeed be intriguing as Westbrook, now carrying his favorite No. 4, aims to make a significant impact for the Denver Nuggets. His journey, marked by resilience and a respectful acknowledgment of his peers, continues to inspire both fans and fellow players alike. The Nuggets, benefiting from his experience and leadership, are poised to witness how this seasoned star integrates his deep-rooted connection with No. 4 into their quest for success.