Russell Westbrook Steps Back in Time with Jersey Number Switch in Denver
In a fascinating turn of events, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. This decision marks a significant moment in Westbrook's professional journey, marking the second time he has donned the No. 4 jersey.
The transition is partly due to Christian Braun, who currently holds the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets. Braun, similar to Westbrook, sported that number during his high school career. Westbrook explained his decision, saying, "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's Path to Denver
The journey that led Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets has been filled with twists and turns. After being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook's contract was bought out, allowing him to join the Nuggets in free agency. The move has brought both excitement and nostalgia, as Westbrook embraces a number that holds sentimental value.
From High School to the NBA
Westbrook has a history with the No. 4 jersey dating back to his high school days. "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 remarked. However, throughout his professional career, circumstances often kept him from wearing his preferred number. "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 recalled.
Hunter Tyson’s Role
Currently wearing No. 4 for the Nuggets is rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Having appeared in just 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook the opportunity to claim No. 4. This gesture underscores the type of camaraderie and respect prevalent within the team.
A New Chapter with Old Roots
Westbrook’s decision to adopt No. 4 appears to be driven by a deep connection to his past and a desire to instill a sense of renewal as he gears up for a new chapter with the Nuggets. "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," Westbrook explained.
As the Nuggets gear up for the upcoming season, fans will see a different number on Westbrook's jersey, but the same relentless drive and passion that has defined his career. His switch to the No. 4 jersey is not just a change in attire but a nod to his roots and a symbol of fresh beginnings.