In a significant development for the Denver Nuggets' roster, star player Russell Westbrook will don the No. 4 jersey next season. This marks a return to his roots for Westbrook, who wore the No. 4 jersey in high school. The decision comes after a series of team changes and jersey negotiations that have brought Westbrook to this moment.
Westbrook's transition to the Denver Nuggets followed a series of trades and a buyout. Initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook later joined the Nuggets as a free agent after a buyout of his contract. This move has ignited much discussion among fans and analysts, particularly about his choice of jersey number.
A New Number for a New Chapter
Throughout Russell Westbrook's illustrious career, the No. 4 jersey has held special significance. Reflecting on his decision to switch from his usual No. 0 to No. 4, Westbrook shared, "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." Despite a history of wearing No. 0 in the NBA, this change represents something deeply personal for the star guard.
The No. 4 jersey wasn’t always available to Westbrook in 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. So I didn't have an opportunity to kind of go back to my original number," Westbrook explained. His return to the No. 4 now allows him to reconnect with an earlier part of his basketball journey.
A Selfless Gesture from Hunter Tyson
Christian Braun, who currently wears the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets, also wore this number during his high school career, much like Westbrook. The No. 4 jersey for the Nuggets, however, was originally held by rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson, who had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets and averaged under three minutes per game, agreed to switch to No. 5 to allow Westbrook to claim No. 4. This selfless gesture was crucial for the veteran player to restore his original number.
A Respectful Transition
Westbrook expressed his reasons for not pushing Braun to give up the No. 0 jersey, stating, "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." This decision underscores Westbrook's respect for his teammates and his desire to make a fresh start with a different number.
Elaborating further on his choice, Westbrook added, "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 acknowledgment of his autonomy and respect towards Braun exemplifies Westbrook’s maturity and leadership qualities.
A New Era for Westbrook in Denver
Westbrook's arrival in Denver and the switch to the No. 4 jersey symbolize a new chapter in his storied career. Known for his explosive athleticism and relentless drive, Westbrook aims to bring his dynamic playmaking abilities to the Nuggets. As he steps onto the court, the No. 4 on his jersey will forever tie him back to his beginnings, reminding him of the journey he has traversed from high school sensation to NBA star.
The Denver Nuggets, with their rising young talents and the experience of veterans like Westbrook, are poised to make significant strides in the upcoming season. Westbrook's jersey number switch is more than a simple numerical change; it's a conscious choice reflecting his personal journey and professional evolution.