Russell Westbrook Switches to No. 4 Jersey for Denver Nuggets
In a significant shift for the 2023 NBA season, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets. Instead, he will don No. 4, a number that holds significant personal meaning for the seasoned guard. This change marks the second time in his professional career that Westbrook has opted for the No. 4 jersey, the number he wore during his high school years.
Westbrook's journey to the Nuggets has been eventful. He was initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz and subsequently secured a buyout of his contract. This buyout enabled Westbrook to join the Nuggets as a free agent, a move that has fans and analysts watching closely.
However, the No. 0 jersey that Westbrook famously wore has already found a new occupant—Christian Braun. Braun, known for his high school career wearing the same number, now holds it for the Nuggets, making Westbrook's transition to No. 4 a blend of nostalgia and respect.
"Let's please leave our young star alone," Westbrook commented, addressing the speculation about his jersey switch. "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."
For Westbrook, this jersey number is more than just a digit—it’s a connection to his roots. "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, underscoring the deep personal significance of his choice.
The decision to switch numbers was also facilitated by Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Currently holding the No. 4 jersey, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to reclaim his preferred number. Tyson's role on the team has been limited, with appearances in just 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game, making the transition seamless from a team dynamics perspective.
Reflecting on his career, 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." This statement highlights not just the continuity in his career but also a poignant return to his beginnings.
Historically, Westbrook has faced challenges in retaining 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," he explained, offering a glimpse into his journey through different teams and jersey numbers.
The backdrop to this switch is made richer by Westbrook’s storied career and versatility on the court. Known for his explosive playing style and leadership, the change in jersey is more of a symbolic nod to his enduring legacy and love for the game. How this new chapter with the Nuggets unfolds will be keenly watched by fans and critics alike.
As Westbrook integrates into the Nuggets' roster with No. 4 on his back, it serves as a reminder of the player's journey and the fresh chapter ahead. While the number might have changed, the passion and drive that Russell Westbrook brings to the court remain unwavering.