Russell Westbrook has decided to shift away from his iconic No. 0 jersey as he joins the Denver Nuggets next season. This significant change marks only the second time in his illustrious career that Westbrook has opted for the No. 4 jersey, a number with deep personal significance for the player.
A New Beginning
Westbrook's decision to don the No. 4 jersey is closely intertwined with his journey from high school to the present day. Known for wearing No. 4 during his high school years, Westbrook's sentimental attachment to the number is evident. “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 shares.
But the path to reclaiming this cherished number hasn't been straightforward. Throughout his professional journey, Westbrook has often been unable to wear the No. 4 jersey due to its occupancy 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,” Westbrook explained.
A Seamless Transition
The transition to the Nuggets has been an amicable one. Christian Braun, who currently wears the No. 0 jersey for Denver, did not face any pressure to relinquish the number to Westbrook. "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 stated, addressing any potential speculation.
In another display of teamwork and courtesy, rookie Hunter Tyson, who initially held the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5, ensuring Westbrook could reclaim his favored number. This small but meaningful gesture highlights the cooperative spirit within the Nuggets' roster as they integrate their new player.
A Detour Through the Clippers and Jazz
Westbrook's winding journey to Denver included a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers and a brief period with the Utah Jazz. The Clippers traded Westbrook to the Jazz, but a contractual buyout facilitated his move to the Nuggets in free agency. Given the competitive nature of the league and Westbrook's high-profile career, these moves underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of professional basketball.
The Road Ahead
With the No. 4 jersey finally back on his shoulders, Westbrook is poised to open a new chapter in his 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, emphasizing that this change represents a fresh start as much as a return to his roots.
Westbrook's presence on the Nuggets roster not only brings a wealth of experience but also a profound sense of history and personal significance tied to his jersey number. While Christian Braun continues to wear No. 0, a number he too wore during his high school career, Westbrook’s transition symbolizes a bridge between past and present, experience and youth.
Hunter Tyson, a recent second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has managed to leave his mark early despite limited playing time. Averaging under three minutes per game in 18 appearances, Tyson's willingness to accommodate Westbrook reflects a player willing to contribute to the team's overall chemistry and success.
As the Nuggets gear up for the next season, the integration of Westbrook with his chosen number four stands as a testament to personal milestones intertwining with professional objectives. The Denver faithful will undoubtedly be eager to witness how this blend of legacy and future potential plays out on the court.