In a notable change, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 jersey with the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, fans will see him take the court sporting No. 4, a number that holds significant personal value for the seasoned point guard.
Tracing Back to High School Roots
This isn't the first time Westbrook has donned the No. 4. "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. Indeed, during his high school days, he proudly wore No. 4, a period that laid the foundation for his illustrious career in the NBA.
The switch to No. 4 marks a full-circle moment for Westbrook. Despite his professional journey taking him through several teams—Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, and now the Denver Nuggets—this number has always been out of reach until now. "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 noted.
Team Changes and New Beginnings
The recent offseason saw Westbrook traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. However, a buyout of his contract paved the way for his entry into free agency and ultimately landing with the Nuggets. This move set the stage for a fresh start, symbolized by the change in jersey number.
Christian Braun, who currently holds the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets, also wore this number during his high school career. Westbrook, however, made it clear that there was no pressure for Braun to give up his number. "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 emphasized.
Securing the No. 4 Jersey
The No. 4 jersey was held by rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game, showcasing his willingness to adapt and support the team by agreeing to switch to No. 5. This generous gesture allowed Westbrook to claim the No. 4 jersey, bringing his journey a full circle.
A New Chapter with the Nuggets
Westbrook's decision to wear No. 4 is more than just a change in appearance; it symbolizes a return to his roots and a fresh beginning in his career. "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 stated. The number holds a deeper connection for Westbrook, allowing him to reflect on his journey and the foundation of his basketball career.
As the Denver Nuggets gear up for the forthcoming season, all eyes will be on how Westbrook integrates into the team dynamic, donning his new yet familiar No. 4 jersey. This number change may indeed herald a fresh chapter for a player whose career has been marked by continuous evolution, adaptability, and unwavering determination.