In an unexpected twist to the upcoming NBA season, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets. Instead, he will don the No. 4 jersey, marking a significant moment in his professional career.
A Return to Roots
This change is not just another number swap for Westbrook; it's a nostalgic nod to his past. In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4, a number he has long associated with his beginnings in basketball. “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. The switch marks the second time in his career that Westbrook has worn No. 4, adding layers of personal significance to the number change.
The opportunity for Westbrook to reclaim his original number came about in a rather fortuitous manner. Rookie Hunter Tyson, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, currently holds the No. 4 jersey. Tyson, who has appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets and averaged under three minutes per game, agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby facilitating Westbrook's return to No. 4.
A Journey Marked by Numbers
Throughout his NBA career, Westbrook has often faced hurdles in wearing 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,” he recounted. This statement underscores the significance of this moment for Westbrook, making it more than just another number change.
The Man Behind the Numbers
While the Los Angeles Clippers recently traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, a buyout of his contract allowed him to join the Nuggets as a free agent. Initially, it seemed plausible for Westbrook to continue with his iconic No. 0 jersey. However, Christian Braun, who also wore No. 0 during his high school career, currently holds that number for the Nuggets. Addressing any potential speculations, 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."
A New Beginning
The decision reflects a fresh start for the seasoned player. “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 shared. This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have followed his journey and understand the emotional weight behind such a decision.
Implications for the Team
For the Denver Nuggets, integrating a high-caliber player like Westbrook, who also brings a sense of renewed purpose, could be a game-changer. As Westbrook transitions into this new phase, holding a number that connects him to his foundational years, the team stands to benefit from both his experience and his rejuvenated spirit.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Westbrook and his No. 4 jersey. His journey has been one of consistent evolution, and this number change encapsulates another chapter in his storied career. The Nuggets' fans and the broader NBA community eagerly anticipate how this symbolic gesture will translate into Westbrook’s performance on the court.