Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive playing style and dynamic on-court presence, is making yet another jersey number switch as he joins the Denver Nuggets next season. Notably, Westbrook will not be wearing the No. 0, the number he has become synonymous with throughout much of his illustrious career.
This adjustment is not a first for Westbrook, who previously made a similar change. Originally donning the No. 4 jersey back in his high school days, Westbrook is now set to reclaim that number. This change has been facilitated by rookie Hunter Tyson, who agreed to switch from No. 4 to No. 5, thus relinquishing the number to the veteran guard.
Westbrook's move to the Nuggets followed a trade by the Los Angeles Clippers that sent him to the Utah Jazz. A subsequent buyout of his contract by the Jazz cleared the path for him to join the Nuggets in free agency, providing the former MVP with a new platform to showcase his talent.
A Nod to His Roots
Discussing the number change, Westbrook shared insights into his decision-making process. “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 said. Reflecting on the opportunity to return to his original number, he noted, “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.”
Interestingly, Westbrook’s journey through the NBA has often seen him unable to claim the No. 4 jersey. Upon arriving at UCLA, it was Arron Afflalo who held the number, and later in Oklahoma City, it was Nick Collison. In Houston, Danuel House sported No. 4, further continuing the trend of Westbrook being unable to return to his high school roots until now.
Nuggets' Current Roster Moves
Christian Braun, another player who wore No. 0 during his high school career, currently holds the No. 0 jersey with the Nuggets. Westbrook, keen to respect the young talent, clarified that he made no request for the No. 0 jersey. “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.
The Nuggets' roster has seen some shifts to accommodate the arrival of Westbrook and his preferred number. While Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had initially taken up the mantle of No. 4, his willingness to switch numbers speaks volumes about team dynamics and the respect afforded to a player of Westbrook’s caliber.
Tyson's impact on the court has been limited thus far, appearing in just 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game. However, his flexibility and team-first attitude could foster positive chemistry within the squad as they integrate a player of Westbrook’s significant experience and skill.
Westbrook's New Chapter
This new phase in Westbrook's storied career offers a symbol of continuity and change—returning to his favorite number while joining a new team with fresh opportunities. The Nuggets, bolstered by Westbrook’s explosive energy and leadership, will aim to capitalize on his presence as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
As Westbrook gears up to don the No. 4 jersey once again, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this change translates on the court. For now, it marks a poignant reminder of the athlete’s roots and a fresh slate for his ongoing journey in the NBA.