Westbrook Changes Jersey Number: A Nod to the Past and a New Beginning
The Denver Nuggets will witness a notable change in their roster this upcoming season, as the former MVP, Russell Westbrook, opts for a different jersey number. Known for his iconic No. 0, Westbrook has decided to switch things up, choosing the No. 4, in what may seem a nostalgic return to his roots.
This will be the second time in Westbrook's illustrious career that he has sported the No. 4 jersey, a number he wore during his high school days. Speaking on his decision, Westbrook stated, "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."
The change in numbers was made possible through an accommodating gesture by rookie Hunter Tyson, who currently holds the No. 4 jersey. Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game. Demonstrating sportsmanship and respect for the veteran, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to reclaim the number that holds significant personal meaning to him.
Westbrook's career has been a tapestry of numbers and jerseys, often dictated by circumstance rather than choice. "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.
Following a rollercoaster of team changes, the seasoned guard finds himself in Denver, thanks to a series of moves involving multiple franchises. Westbrook was initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. A buyout of his contract by the Jazz then facilitated his journey to the Nuggets during free agency.
Christian Braun, another young talent on the Nuggets roster, will continue to wear the No. 0 jersey, a number he also wore during his high school career. Addressing any potential confusion surrounding his decision to not request the No. 0 jersey, Westbrook emphasized, "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 symbolizes more than just a number on his back—it’s a reconnection with his beginnings. "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," he reflected. This return to No. 4 rejuvenates Westbrook's spirit and provides him a chance to rewrite the latter chapters of his storied career.
His move to Denver is not just a change of location; it's a reaffirmation of his journey and a commitment to embrace new challenges while holding onto foundational values. As Westbrook takes on a new chapter with the Nuggets, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this seasoned star integrates into the squad and influences their quest for success in the upcoming season.
This subtle shift in jersey number may seem minor in the grand scheme of professional basketball, but it’s moments like these that highlight the deep personal and emotional connections players have with their sport. For Russell Westbrook, the No. 4 jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of his past, his perseverance, and his potential future. And as he steps onto the court with the Denver Nuggets, that number will undoubtedly carry the weight of his legacy and the promise of new beginnings.