Russell Westbrook's Jersey Switch Marks New Chapter in Denver
In a noteworthy move that signals another evolution in his illustrious career, Russell Westbrook has announced he will not don the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, the veteran guard will be taking the court in the No. 4 jersey—a number he has a significant history with, both personally and professionally.
For those closely following Westbrook's journey, this switch is not just a superficial change but rather a 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," Westbrook explained, encapsulating the deep, personal connection he holds with the number.
His professional trajectory has seen him wear various numbers due to circumstances beyond his control. When asked about the constant changes, Westbrook reflected, "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 latest transition to the Nuggets was facilitated by a buyout of his contract from the Utah Jazz, following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. Amidst all these changes, Westbrook opted for No. 4, the number he originally wore in high school, before No. 0 became synonymous with his name in the NBA.
However, the No. 4 jersey wasn't up for grabs immediately. The rookie Hunter Tyson, Denver's second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, initially held the number. Tyson had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. Understanding the importance of the number to Westbrook, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5. This gesture allowed Westbrook to reconnect with a piece of his heritage. Addressing the dynamics around his jersey number, Westbrook clarified, "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."
Christian Braun, another player with the Nuggets, currently wears the No. 0 jersey—a number he also wore during his high school career. Westbrook chose not to disrupt this association, emphasizing the fresh start that comes with his new team. "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 elaborated.
The jersey number situation reveals more than just changes in apparel; it symbolizes significant moments and decisions in the career of this NBA star. Each number worn by Westbrook has its own chapter and signifies different stages and environments of his basketball journey. The No. 4 jersey, in particular, brings him back to where it all began—offering a sense of nostalgia and continuity in the otherwise ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.
As Westbrook prepares to step onto the court in Denver, donning the No. 4 jersey, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly reflect on his storied career and the significance of this change. Through all his transitions—from Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, Los Angeles, and Utah to finally Denver—one thing remains clear: Russell Westbrook continues to redefine himself while staying true to his roots.