Russell Westbrook isn't reviving the iconic No. 0 jersey in his new tenure with the Denver Nuggets. This change aligns with a sentimental journey as he returns to donning the No. 4 jersey, a number he has worn before. This marks the second time in his illustrious career that Westbrook will wear this number.
A Journey Through Numbers
Westbrook's path to the Nuggets saw several twists, the most recent being his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. Following a buyout of his contract, he entered free agency and ultimately signed with Denver. But the change in jersey number is significant for the former MVP. Westbrook explained, "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's History with No. 4
In his formative years at high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey, a choice that circles back into his professional life. "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 remarked.
Throughout his career, the No. 4 jersey seemed tantalizingly out of reach due to being occupied 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 shared.
A New Era in Denver
Upon joining the Nuggets, Westbrook found the No. 0 jersey already taken by Christian Braun, who coincidentally wore that number in high school as well. Meanwhile, rookie Hunter Tyson was wearing the No. 4 jersey. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft who had only appeared in 18 games averaging under three minutes per game, graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby enabling Westbrook to reclaim No. 4.
Westbrook elaborated on his decision to embrace the No. 4 jersey once again: "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 underscores a deeper personal connection, marking a return to his foundational roots in basketball.
As he embarks on this new chapter with the Nuggets, the numerical change may also signify an emotional and professional renewal. Westbrook's narrative is deeply intertwined with the numbers on his jersey, from youthful aspirations to professional triumphs, making this shift in Denver not just a change in digits but a continuum of his storied career.
Christian Braun and Hunter Tyson, two young talents in the Nuggets roster, hold their own unique narratives with their jersey numbers. Braun retains No. 0, maintaining a connection to his high school days, while Tyson, after a brief period under No. 4, embraces No. 5 moving forward. Their willingness to accommodate a veteran like Westbrook speaks to the dynamic and evolving relationships within the team.
For Westbrook, returning to his original number is more than a fashion statement. It's a homage to his journey, a blend of past influences, and an ode to the moments that shaped his career. As the Nuggets look forward to harnessing Westbrookâs experience and dynamism, fans will no doubt see the No. 4 jersey as a symbol of new beginnings grounded in rich history.
In the world of professional sports, numbers often become synonymous with the legends who wear them. For Westbrook, shifting back to No. 4 is a poignant narrative of continuity and change, offering fans and analysts alike an evolution worth noting as the next season approaches.