Russell Westbrook will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season, marking a new chapter in his already storied career. This change signifies the second time Westbrook has switched to the No. 4 jersey in his professional journey.
The Denver Nuggets' No. 0 jersey is currently worn by Christian Braun, and in a gesture reflecting his team-first mentality, Westbrook didn't push for its transfer. "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 explained, clarifying his respect for Braun's position.
A Journey Through Numbers
Westbrook's transition to the No. 4 jersey is rooted in a narrative of both personal significance and historical intersections. During his high school years, Westbrook sported the No. 4, a number that ties deeply to his roots. "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 revealed, highlighting the sentimental value attached to this jersey number.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Westbrook has had to navigate the complexities of jersey numbers throughout his career. At UCLA, the No. 4 jersey was already taken by Arron Afflalo. Upon his move to the NBA, he found the number occupied again—first by Nick Collison in Oklahoma City and later by Danuel House in Houston. "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 recounted.
The Transition in Denver
Westbrook's arrival in Denver came after a stint of significant changes in his career. Traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, a buyout of his contract enabled him to join the Nuggets as a free agent. This transition allowed another opportunity for Westbrook to reconnect with his high school number after a period of professional upheaval.
The No. 4 jersey at Denver was initially 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, averaging under three minutes per game, graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, enabling Westbrook to reclaim his desired number. This unselfish act by Tyson facilitated a smooth transition and upheld the camaraderie within the team.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Despite the frequent number changes and trades, Westbrook has continued to forge an impressive NBA journey, highlighted by his MVP award and numerous All-Star appearances. Now, with the Nuggets, he has a fresh slate, a renewed number, and a chance to bring his dynamic flair to the Mile High City.
Looking back, Westbrook acknowledges the stability and sentimentality that No. 4 brings to him personally and professionally. "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," he said, adding yet another layer to his multi-faceted legacy in the league.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Denver, Westbrook's history with his jersey numbers serves as a testament to his adaptability and perseverance in the face of ever-changing circumstances. His choice of No. 4 is more than just a number; it is a salute to his beginnings, a nod to his journey, and a statement of who he is and where he is headed.