Westbrook's Number Switch Signals New Chapter with Nuggets
Russell Westbrook will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. In a move that has surprised many fans, Westbrook will be switching to the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds significant meaning for the veteran guard.
From No. 0 to No. 4: A Journey
This change marks the second time Westbrook has switched to the No. 4 jersey in his professional journey. Originally wearing No. 0 during his NBA career, Westbrook explained his decision to shift back to his high school number. "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," said Westbrook.
For Westbrook, the No. 4 jersey is more than just a number. "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 added. The number has eluded him throughout his career due to other players already wearing it at his previous teams. "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 shared.
The Trade and Transition
Westbrook’s journey to the Denver Nuggets began with a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Following a buyout of his contract, the seasoned guard was able to join the Nuggets in free agency. Upon his arrival, Westbrook found himself in a situation that required negotiating for his preferred jersey number.
Christian Braun and Hunter Tyson’s Role
Christian Braun, the current holder of the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets, also wore No. 0 during his high school career. Addressing the rumor mill about Braun's potential role in his number change, Westbrook clarified, "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."
On the other hand, rookie Hunter Tyson, who currently held the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby opening the door for Westbrook to reclaim No. 4. Tyson was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game.
Westbrook’s High School Connection
In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey, a number that has deep significance for him. It’s a connection to his roots and a symbol of his journey, a sentiment he reiterated multiple times. The decision to switch back seems to be more personal than professional, emphasizing a full-circle moment for the guard.
The Road Ahead for Westbrook and the Nuggets
While the number on his jersey may be changing, the expectations for Westbrook remain the same. The Denver Nuggets, fresh off several strong seasons, are looking to leverage Westbrook’s experience and leadership. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous stints with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Washington Wizards, among others.
Swapping to the No. 4 jersey symbolizes a fresh start and a rekindling of his roots for Westbrook. His emotional and psychological connection to the number may well translate into an invigorated performance on the court, something that the Nuggets and their fans will eagerly anticipate.
For fans and analysts, Westbrook’s number switch may seem like a small change, but for the player himself, it’s a meaningful nod to the past and a hopeful glance towards the future. The upcoming season will reveal how this change influences his play and impacts the Nuggets. This new chapter in Westbrook's storied career is generating excitement and curiosity, promising an exciting season ahead.