Russell Westbrook Changes Jersey Number for Denver Nuggets
In a noteworthy shift for the upcoming NBA season, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets. Instead, the star guard is opting for the No. 4, the second time he's donned this number in his professional career.
Westbrook, who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz before securing a buyout to join the Nuggets in free agency, is making this change to mark a new chapter in his career. The No. 0 jersey will remain with Christian Braun, a decision that Westbrook supports.
"Let's please leave our young star alone. CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0. I did not want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number," Westbrook said, emphasizing his respect for Braun's current ownership of the number.
For the seasoned guard, this change signifies more than just a numerical switch. It represents 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.
His affinity for the No. 4 dates back to his high school days, a time when he first wore the number. However, his professional career has seen numerous instances where Westbrook had to adapt his jersey choice due to the number already being taken by other players. "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 elaborated.
Hunter Tyson, the rookie who initially held the No. 4 jersey for the Nuggets, has agreed to switch to No. 5 to accommodate Westbrook's preference. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has had limited playing time, appearing in just 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game. This gesture from Tyson demonstrates a level of respect and professionalism within the team as they make adjustments for the veteran player.
Christian Braun's decision to retain the No. 0 jersey is also rooted in personal history. Like Westbrook, Braun also wore No. 0 during his high school career, establishing a sentimental connection to the number. This shared experience between Westbrook and Braun adds an interesting dynamic to the team's storylines this season.
Reflecting on his decision, Westbrook noted, "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."
As Westbrook embraces this new phase, the Denver Nuggets benefit not just from his on-court talents but also his leadership and ability to navigate changes with poise. For fans, this change serves as a reminder of Westbrook's storied career and his continuous evolution as a prominent figure in the NBA.
The Denver Nuggets look forward to seeing how Westbrook's return to his original number will translate into performance and inspiration for the rest of the team. With high hopes and a fresh jersey number, Russell Westbrook is set to electrify the court once again, symbolizing a blend of respect for the past and readiness for the future.