Westbrook's Jersey Change: Embracing the Number Four Once Again
Russell Westbrook, a player known for his dynamic presence on the basketball court, will be embracing a new chapter with a familiar number. As he joins the Denver Nuggets next season, he will leave behind his iconic No. 0 jersey, a number synonymous with his name throughout his standout career.
A Change in Denver
For the upcoming season, Westbrook will don the No. 4 jersey. This will be the second time in his professional career that he makes this switch, a decision rooted in both sentiment and opportunity. The No. 0 jersey in Denver is currently held by Christian Braun, a rising young star for the team.
"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," said Westbrook, aiming to clear up any speculation about the reason behind his decision.
A Return to Roots
Reflecting on his choice, Westbrook shared, "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."
In high school, Westbrook proudly wore No. 4, a time when he began to carve his path to becoming one of the most explosive guards in NBA history. His professional journey, however, has seen him pivot from this original number due to various circumstances.
When Westbrook entered the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, veteran Nick Collison held the No. 4 jersey. Similarly, at UCLA, Arron Afflalo had already claimed the number, and during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, Danuel House sported No. 4 as well.
"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 noted, outlining the journey that kept him apart from his preferred jersey number until now.
A Path to Denver
Westbrook's arrival in Denver was facilitated by a series of significant moves. Initially traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook found himself at a crossroads. The Jazz opted for a buyout of his contract, allowing him to enter free agency where he eventually signed with the Nuggets.
Christian Braun, a promising talent, has built his identity wearing No. 0, not just in Denver but also during his high school days. To accommodate Westbrook's preferred number, another adjustment was made. Rookie Hunter Tyson, the current holder of the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5, showcasing the team-first mentality pervasive among the Nuggets.
Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has had limited appearances this season, averaging under three minutes per game in just 18 outings. His flexibility and willingness to accommodate Westbrook symbolize the respect and support among the Nuggets' roster.
Embracing New Beginnings
As Westbrook prepares for this new chapter, he acknowledges the significance of this change. "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 expressed. This new journey with Denver is not just about a new team but also about reconnecting with his roots and the number that has always held a special place in his heart.
Westbrook's decision to switch numbers marks both an end and a beginning—a nod to his past and a fresh start in a city eager to embrace his talents. As he steps onto the court in the No. 4 jersey, fans will undoubtedly see a rejuvenated player, ready to make his mark all over again.