Russell Westbrook, known for his fierce playmaking abilities and electrifying performances on the court, is set to make a notable change as he joins the Denver Nuggets. The nine-time NBA All-Star will be wearing the No. 4 jersey next season, marking the second time he has donned this number in his professional career. This decision comes after a series of team changes and an important switch in jerseys for Westbrook.
A New Chapter with the Denver Nuggets
Westbrook was recently traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Shortly thereafter, a buyout of his contract allowed him to join the Nuggets in free agency. His arrival brings a fresh dynamic to Denver, but it's not just his presence that's notable. Westbrook's choice to wear the No. 4 jersey instead of his iconic No. 0 is drawing attention, especially among long-time fans of the guard.
“Obviously I could have stayed with zero if I wanted to, but I just decided to [pick four],” Westbrook shared. “It's kind of my first time in my career I can go back to my original number.”
The Journey of Jerseys
In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds personal significance. “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. Yet, throughout different phases of his career, circumstances prevented him from keeping this number.
At UCLA, Westbrook found the No. 4 jersey already claimed by Arron Afflalo. When he transitioned to the Oklahoma City Thunder, veteran Nick Collison wore the number. It was a similar situation in Houston, where Danuel House Jr. had the No. 4 jersey. “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.
Negotiations and Transitions in Denver
Westbrook's switch back to No. 4 in Denver was made possible by the cooperation of rookie Hunter Tyson, who had initially been assigned the number. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. He agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to reclaim his cherished number.
Christian Braun, who holds the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets, wore No. 0 during his high school career, just like Westbrook did during his professional career. However, there was no contest over this particular number. “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 clarified.
A Symbolic Return
For Westbrook, the return to No. 4 is more than just a numerical change; it’s a symbolic gesture of returning to his roots. The number, which reminds him of his early days and the foundations of his basketball journey, serves as a poignant reminder of where he began and the enduring passion that fuels his play.
As Westbrook steps into this new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, fans, teammates, and analysts alike will be watching closely. Whether donning No. 0 or No. 4, one thing remains certain: Russell Westbrook's impact on the court continues to be as powerful as ever.
With his relentless drive and unwavering determination, Westbrook is poised to add yet another exciting layer to his storied career in the NBA, all while wearing a number that carries personal and historical significance for the decorated player.