Russell Westbrook, a name synonymous with high-octane basketball, will be making a notable shift next season. The star guard, known for his explosive play and indomitable spirit, will not be seen donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets. Instead, he'll be reverting to the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds deep personal significance for him.
Westbrook's Journey with Jerseys
This isn't the first time Westbrook has opted for the No. 4 jersey in his professional career. During his high school days, the budding star wore No. 4, a throwback to his roots in the sport. When it came time for college ball at UCLA, he was met with the reality that Arron Afflalo already held the number. “When I got to UCLA, Arron Afflalo had it,” Westbrook recalled. As he transitioned to the NBA, the same situation persisted with Nick Collison taking No. 4 in Oklahoma City and Danuel House in Houston.
Westbrook's recent trade, from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, and subsequent buyout allowed him the freedom to join the Nuggets through free agency. The move was more than just a change of scenery—it marked a return to a familiar and cherished number. “[Number] 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 shared.
Team Dynamics and Number Swaps
Christian Braun, a rising star for the Nuggets, currently holds the No. 0 jersey. Interestingly, Braun himself donned this number during his high school career. Despite this commonality, Westbrook was quick to clarify any misconceptions. "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," he explained.
As Westbrook settled into his new team, the No. 4 jersey was initially held by rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson, who had appeared in just 18 games with limited minutes, graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, thus allowing Westbrook to reclaim No. 4. This act of camaraderie and team spirit sets a positive tone for the upcoming season.
A Symbolic and Emotional Decision
Westbrook’s decision to switch back to No. 4 isn't merely about a number on a jersey—it’s a reflection of his journey and identity in basketball. “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 noted. This move represents a full-circle moment for the highly-decorated player.
As the Nuggets gear up for what promises to be an exciting season, Westbrook’s choice of jersey number is a poignant reminder of the personal stories and histories that players bring to the court. It’s an emblem of where they come from, and in Westbrook’s case, a nod to a humble beginning that shaped one of the NBA’s most dynamic players. His return to No. 4 is more than a statistic—it’s a testament to his journey, his roots, and the narrative of resilience and consistently high performance that defines Russell Westbrook.
With Westbrook leading the charge in his symbolic No. 4 jersey, Nuggets fans have much to anticipate, embracing both the history and the fresh energy this number will bring to the team’s efforts on the court.