Russell Westbrook, known for his electrifying style of play, will not be seen donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, he will be embracing his high school roots by switching to the No. 4 jersey. This significant change marks the second time Westbrook returns to this number in his professional career.
A Journey Through Jersey Numbers
Westbrook, who was recently traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, found his way to the Nuggets through a contract buyout that subsequently allowed him to join Denver as a free agent. While this move has generated buzz, it's his decision to switch jersey numbers that has fans talking.
Christian Braun, a young talent for the Nuggets, currently wears the No. 0 jersey—a number he, like Westbrook, also wore in high school. This overlap presented Westbrook with an opportunity to reconnect with his original number from his formative years. "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0. I did not want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number," Westbrook explained.
The Significance of Number 4
Reflecting on his decision, Westbrook said, "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." No. 4 holds a special place in Westbrook's heart. "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 added. The familiarity and emotional significance tied to No. 4 undoubtedly influenced this decision.
When Westbrook arrived at UCLA, Arron Afflalo had already claimed No. 4. The same scenario unfolded in Oklahoma City, where Nick Collison wore the number, and in Houston with Danuel House. As Westbrook himself stated, "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."
A Rookie's Gesture
In a gesture of respect and team camaraderie, rookie Hunter Tyson, who now wears No. 4 for the Nuggets, agreed to switch to No. 5, thus allowing Westbrook to claim his preferred number. 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. Despite his limited on-court experience, this act exemplifies the communal spirit within the team and showcases a level of maturity beyond his years.
The Road Ahead
With Westbrook joining the Nuggets, fans eagerly anticipate how his presence and the symbolic change in his jersey number will impact the team. As the franchise continues to build on its recent successes, the integration of a player with Westbrook's caliber and experience could prove to be a pivotal addition. His choice to wear No. 4, laden with personal significance, emphasizes a fresh start and a reconnection with his basketball origins.
The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing chapter in Westbrook's storied career. His dynamic playmaking ability, combined with a reenergized spirit reflected through his number, sets the stage for an exciting season for both Westbrook and the Denver Nuggets.