In a noteworthy shift, Russell Westbrook will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, Westbrook will be seen in the No. 4 jersey, marking a return to a number with significant personal history for the seasoned NBA star.
This jersey change is not the first for Westbrook. Over his illustrious career, which started with the Oklahoma City Thunder and included stints with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook had to adapt to different numbers due to team dynamics. "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 explained.
Westbrook was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, but it was a buyout of his contract that paved the way for his landing with the Nuggets through free agency. His decision to return to No. 4 is rooted in his early basketball days. In high school, Westbrook wore No. 4, a number he associates with 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," he said.
Behind the Number Change
The No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets is currently worn by Christian Braun. Addressing any speculations, Westbrook was clear that there was no pressure on Braun to relinquish his number. "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 emphasized.
Further emphasizing his conscious decision to switch to an old favorite, Westbrook shared, "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."
Accommodations and Team Dynamics
Westbrookâs transition to the No. 4 jersey was made possible by rookie Hunter Tyson, who agreed to switch his jersey number to No. 5. This act of accommodation speaks volumes about the team dynamics and mutual respect within the Nuggets roster. 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. His willingness to adapt for the veteran player demonstrates a significant team-first approach.
Christian Braun, who also wore No. 0 during his high school career, seems undeterred by his jersey number overlapping with newcomers. This sense of camaraderie within the Nuggets is indicative of a team culture that values individuality and history while promoting unity and collaboration.
A Symbolic Return
For Westbrook, this jersey number isn't just a piece of fabric; it symbolizes a full-circle moment. The No. 4 jersey is a nod to his beginnings and a motivation to remember where he started, providing an emotional and psychological boost as he embarks on the upcoming season with the Nuggets. His decision to return to this number represents both a personal and professional statement, blending the past with the future in a sport that thrives on history and legacy.
The Denver Nuggets, with this new blend of experienced talent like Westbrook and promising players like Braun and Tyson, are set to forge a path towards a competitive season. The mutual respect and adaptability exhibited by the team members set a promising tone for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.