Russell Westbrook's Jersey Journey: A Return to No. 4
In a move that has both fans and analysts talking, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, he will don the No. 4 jersey, a number that carries significant sentimental value for the seasoned point guard.
This decision marks the second time Westbrook has donned the No. 4 in his professional career. He first wore it during his high school days, a period he recalls with much fondness. "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 stated.
Westbrook's professional journey to re-claim the favored number has been anything but straightforward. His move to the Denver Nuggets was facilitated through a buyout of his contract with the Utah Jazz, following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. This transition allowed him the opportunity to revisit an old chapter of his career with a new number, made possible by the kind gesture of Hunter Tyson, who agreed to switch his No. 4 jersey to No. 5.
Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had worn the No. 4 jersey but had only briefly seen action for the Nuggets, appearing in just 18 games with an average of less than three minutes per game. His willingness to accommodate Westbrook's preference showcases both camaraderie and respect within the team dynamics.
Reflecting on his decision, Westbrook candidly shared, "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."
Christian Braun, another player for the Denver Nuggets, currently wears the No. 0 jersey, a number he also wore during his high school career. Westbrook acknowledged that switching back to No. 4 offers him a unique opportunity in his illustrious career to revisit his original number. "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," Westbrook explained.
The journey of Westbrook's jerseys doesn't just start or end here. When he arrived at UCLA, the No. 4 jersey was already claimed by Arron Afflalo. Similarly, upon his move to Oklahoma City, Nick Collison held the No. 4, and in Houston, it was Danuel House who had the number. This pattern of near misses has perhaps made this moment of reclaiming No. 4 even more meaningful for the veteran guard. "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 recounted.
As Westbrook prepares to step onto the court with the Denver Nuggets, the significance of this jersey number change goes beyond just digits on his back. It represents a return to his roots, a nod to his high school years, and a reflection of his journey through various teams and jersey numbers. For fans and fellow players alike, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of personal history and the symbols that anchor athletes through their dynamic careers.
Christian Braun's presence in the team with No. 0 and Hunter Tyson's gracious switch encapsulate the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect that the Denver Nuggets are fostering. For Westbrook, this upcoming season with his favored No. 4 jersey symbolizes not only a new chapter but also a homecoming of sorts, enriching the narrative of his already storied career.