Russell Westbrook Shifts to No. 4 Jersey for Upcoming Season with Denver Nuggets
In what marks another intriguing chapter in his illustrious career, Russell Westbrook is set to wear the No. 4 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. This decision involves a series of changes and cordial agreements, reflecting Westbrook's journey through the NBA and his connection to the number.
Westbrook, known historically for his No. 0 jersey, will be donning No. 4 for the second time professionally. This move comes after Christian Braun, Denver’s current No. 0, retained his number. Addressing the situation, Westbrook stated, "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."
Revisiting his past choices, Westbrook elaborated, "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 change symbolizes a return to his roots, as Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey during his high school days. He vividly described his attachment, saying, "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."
The process that allowed Westbrook to reclaim his favorite jersey number involved rookie Hunter Tyson, who initially held the No. 4 jersey. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. Displaying a team-first attitude, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, facilitating Westbrook’s return to No. 4.
Westbrook’s jersey number has been a topic of note throughout his career transitions. At UCLA, Arron Afflalo held the No. 4 jersey, forcing Westbrook to adopt a different number. Similarly, Nick Collison had the number in Oklahoma City, and Danuel House in Houston. Westbrook noted, "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's arrival at Denver followed a series of significant moves. He was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz before a contract buyout allowed him to join the Nuggets in free agency. Now, as he prepares to contribute to the Nuggets, Westbrook’s choice to reconnect with his original jersey number adds a sentimental layer to his latest professional chapter.
Meanwhile, Christian Braun’s No. 0 jersey holds its own narrative. Braun, who also wore No. 0 in high school, continues the legacy of this number within the Nuggets roster. This transition for the jersey numbers underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of team identities and individual legacies within the NBA.
As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes influence team synergy and performance. Russell Westbrook, with No. 4 on his back, is poised to bring his signature intensity and experience to Denver’s quest for success.
In high-stakes professional sports, every detail matters. With Westbrook anchoring a different number, it symbolizes not just a change in attire but a symbolic reset, rooting him back to the beginnings of his impactful basketball journey.