Russell Westbrook is once again making headlines, but this time it's not for his on-court electrifying performances. The veteran guard will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season, opting instead for his high school number, No. 4.
This shift marks the second time in his distinguished career that Westbrook has switched to the No. 4 jersey. His journey to this point has been a whirlwind of trades and buyouts. Initially sent from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, a buyout of his contract facilitated his move to the Denver Nuggets in free agency.
New Beginnings
Westbrook's decision to change his number wasn't taken lightly. "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 emphasized, referring to Christian Braun, who currently wears the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets.
Opting for No. 4 allows Westbrook to return 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 said. This number preference harks back to his high school days and offers a nostalgic touch to his professional career.
A Journey Through Numbers
Throughout his career, Westbrook has had to settle for different numbers at various teams due to existing claims on his preferred digit. "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 explained.
This time, he had an opportunity but also a young teammate to consider. Rookie Hunter Tyson wore the No. 4 jersey but graciously agreed to switch to No. 5 to accommodate Westbrook’s renewed affinity for No. 4.
New Chapter with the Nuggets
Westbrook's move to Denver is part of a broader reshuffling that included rookies and veterans alike. Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had shown flashes of potential, appearing in 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game. His willingness to switch numbers underscores a camaraderie and respect that bodes well for team chemistry.
Furthermore, Westbrook's transition to the Nuggets symbolizes a fresh start, yet another chapter in his storied career. "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 noted. It's a return to the comfort and familiarity that the No. 4 jersey represents for him.
As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on how Westbrook integrates with his new team and how the number switch might serve as a catalyst for his continuing legacy. For Westbrook, it's not just about a number on his back, but a connection to his beginnings and a symbol of his enduring basketball journey.
Christian Braun’s decision to retain No. 0—also his high school number—adds another layer to the narrative of tradition and personal significance that numbers hold for athletes. "CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0," Westbrook clarified, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two players.
As Westbrook dons the No. 4 jersey once more, it will serve as a constant reminder of his roots and the journey that brought him here. The number is more than just a digit; it’s a part of his identity and a testament to his resilience and adaptability over the years. Whether this change will bring new success to the Nuggets is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear: Russell Westbrook is ready to take on this new chapter with the energy and determination that have defined his career.