Russell Westbrook to Sport No. 4 Jersey for Denver Nuggets, Reflecting on His Roots
In a significant change for the Denver Nuggets' lineup, Russell Westbrook will be wearing the No. 4 jersey next season. This marks the second time in his illustrious career that the feisty guard will don the No. 4, a number that is deeply personal and symbolic for him.
The shift away from his iconic No. 0, which he has sported for the majority of his professional career, coincides with his latest move following a buyout from the Utah Jazz. Westbrook joined the Nuggets in free agency after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers. The No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets is currently taken by Christian Braun, another player with a strong attachment to the numeral from his high school days.
Addressing his decision not to pursue the No. 0 jersey, Westbrook clarified, "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."
For Westbrook, the No. 4 jersey is a nod to his beginnings. "In high school, Westbrook wore the No. 4 jersey," making his return to this number particularly significant. It reminds him of his roots and the early days of his basketball journey. He expressed his sentiment, stating, "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."
The transition for Westbrook was facilitated by rookie Hunter Tyson, who initially held the No. 4 jersey. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, amicably agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby allowing Westbrook to reclaim the jersey number that means so much to him.
Westbrook's career has seen numerous jersey changes and transitions, often due to the number being occupied by other players when he joined new teams. "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," he explained.
This latest shift represents more than just a numerical change—it is a personal and sentimental choice for Westbrook. "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 revealed.
Hunter Tyson's contribution to this transition should not be overlooked. Having appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game, Tyson showed class and respect by willingly changing his number. This move will undoubtedly endear him to both his teammates and fans alike, showcasing the camaraderie and sportsmanship that underpins professional basketball.
As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, Westbrook’s switch to the No. 4 jersey will be a narrative to watch. Wearing a number that holds such deep significance, he will aim to channel the drive and passion that have defined his career thus far. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this change influences his performance and chemistry with the team.
The Denver Nuggets, with Westbrook now part of their squad, have added a layer of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. His presence, energy, and leadership, coupled with this symbolic jersey change, promise to bring a fresh dynamic to the team. In the end, it’s not just about the number on the jersey, but the player who wears it and the legacy he continues to build.