Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic guards in NBA history, is once again making headlines with a significant change in his professional journey. The former MVP, who has donned the No. 0 jersey for the majority of his illustrious career, will not be wearing it for the Denver Nuggets next season.
Switching Numbers: A Return to No. 4
This change marks the second time Westbrook will be donning the No. 4 jersey in his professional career. High school was the last time he wore this number, a period that he recalls fondly. "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 reflected.
Westbrook's switch to No. 4 became possible after Rookie Hunter Tyson, who currently holds the No. 4 jersey, agreed to switch to No. 5. This gesture allows Westbrook to reconnect with a number he holds dear. Tyson was the Nuggets' second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and has appeared in just 18 games, averaging under three minutes per game. The move was seemingly seamless for the young player who willingly made the change.
Previous Obstacles
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Westbrook has had to navigate around existing jersey numbers throughout his career. He recalls how Arron Afflalo had the No. 4 jersey during his time at UCLA. "When I got to UCLA, 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," he explained. These circumstances had prevented him from securing his original number.
Westbrook could have stayed with zero if he wanted to, but the decision to switch was intentional and symbolic. "I did want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number," he said, emphasizing his gratitude for a fresh start with the Nuggets. "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."
A New Home with the Nuggets
The transition to the Denver Nuggets comes after a tumultuous period that saw Westbrook being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz. A buyout of his contract with the Jazz allowed him to navigate free agency and ultimately join the Nuggets. His arrival in Denver comes with high expectations, not just for his on-court capabilities but for the leadership and experience he brings to a young team.
Westbrook's presence is notable not just for his playing style but also for the narrative he continues to write with each team he joins. The No. 0 jersey he leaves behind will now be worn by Christian Braun for the Nuggets, another young talent eager to make his mark. Braun, too, has a connection to the number, having worn it during his high school career.
Legacy and Future
As Westbrook steps into this new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, the return to his old high school number is a poignant reminder of his enduring connection to his roots. His fans and the basketball world at large will watch closely to see how he will integrate into the Nuggets' system and what new heights he can reach with his "new" number on his back.
The narrative of Russell Westbrook is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of personal and professional milestones. Each jersey number change, team switch, and game played adds to the ever-evolving legacy of a player who continues to defy the limits and expectations set upon him.