Russell Westbrook Embraces Change, Returns to Roots with Denver Nuggets
In a move that symbolizes both a new beginning and a return to his roots, Russell Westbrook has announced that he will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, Westbrook will wear the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds significant personal value for the former MVP. This change marks the second time in his illustrious career that Westbrook has switched to No. 4.
The journey to this number change began with his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Following a contract buyout, Westbrook joined the Nuggets in free agency, creating an opportunity for a fresh start. However, it wasn’t just about starting anew for the nine-time NBA All-Star. It was also about honoring his past.
"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. It's a sentimental choice, harking back to his high school days when he first wore the No. 4 jersey.
In Denver, the No. 0 jersey is currently occupied by Christian Braun, who also wore the number in high school. Westbrook made it clear that there was no pressure on Braun to give up the digit. "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0," Westbrook noted. "I did want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number."
The open No. 4 jersey in Denver initially belonged to rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson, who has appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets and averaged under three minutes per game, generously agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to claim the No. 4 jersey. This gesture solidifies the collegial atmosphere within the Nuggets' locker room, fostering a supportive environment for both established stars and newcomers.
Westbrook's attachment to the number four has met obstacles throughout his professional career. "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," Westbrook recounted. "So I didn't have an opportunity to kind of go back to my original number."
Such obstacles have not deterred Westbrook from achieving incredible feats in the NBA. With a resume that includes nine NBA All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and the prestigious MVP award in 2017, Westbrook's legacy is already well-cemented in basketball history. Yet, his quest for personal meaning through his jersey number change adds another layer to his narrative—a professional basketball player who, despite the commercial nature of sports, still holds onto the personal and emotional significance of his roots.
Westbrook stated, "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." This decision certainly gives fans and analysts a glimpse into the mindset of one of the league's most dynamic players.
As Westbrook prepares for the upcoming season with the Denver Nuggets, his return to the No. 4 jersey will undoubtedly be a talking point. But beyond the headlines, this seemingly simple change speaks volumes about a player reconnecting with a symbol of his genesis in the sport. It’s an interesting chapter for a player whose career has been marked by relentless drive and unwavering confidence.
Ultimately, the coming season will reveal how this change impacts Westbrook's performance on the court. For now, it stands as a testament to his appreciation for where he started and the journey he's undertaken—a journey that continues to captivate basketball fans around the world.