The Denver Nuggets are set to witness a significant jersey number change next season. Russell Westbrook, who has been a dominant figure on any hardwood he steps onto, will not be sporting his iconic No. 0 jersey. Instead, he will revert to his original No. 4, a number deeply etched into his personal and professional history.
Westbrook's journey back to No. 4 comes after a series of jersey switches throughout his illustrious career. His tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers culminated in a trade to the Utah Jazz, which eventually led to a buyout, allowing him to sign with the Nuggets as a free agent. This move is more than just a nostalgic return for Westbrook; it is a nod to his roots and his beginnings in high school, where he first wore the No. 4 jersey.
Westbrook's decision also involved current Nugget Hunter Tyson, a rookie who had been holding onto the No. 4 jersey. In a display of mutual respect, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, opening the way for Westbrook to reclaim No. 4. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has had limited playing time so far, appearing in just 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game.
Addressing the media about his decision, Westbrook emphasized that his change was not motivated by any external pressures or the need to reclaim a previous jersey number from a teammate. "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,” said Westbrook. This decision clearly indicates his respect for Christian Braun, the current bearer of the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets.
Reflecting on his journey and the significance of the number, Westbrook added, "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." Westbrook's attachment to the No. 4 jersey is profound. “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 shared. This personal attachment reveals a deeper layer to the narrative, one that intertwines his personal growth with his professional accolades.
Westbrook's career has seen him don the No. 0 jersey in multiple teams and situations, primarily because his preferred No. 4 was already taken. "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 explained.
Now, with the Nuggets, Westbrook finds himself in a unique position where he can bring back the number that started it all for him. His decision is a testament to his journey, marked by adaptability and resilience, while also highlighting his reverence for other players and their choices.
Christian Braun, another pivotal player for the Nuggets, who currently dons the No. 0 jersey, has also walked a parallel path in some respects, as he too wore No. 0 during his own high school career. This cycle of jersey number continuity reflects the evolving yet interconnected paths within the world of professional basketball.
The upcoming season for the Nuggets promises not just thrilling performances on the court but also subtle yet significant shifts that speak volumes about player dynamics and personal choices. With Westbrook back in No. 4, the court will be a canvas of memories, achievements, and the continuation of a storied career that has captured the attention of basketball fans worldwide.