Russell Westbrook’s recent move to the Denver Nuggets has brought with it a notable change in jersey number. The seasoned point guard, known for his explosive energy and on-court tenacity, will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey—a number he has been associated with for the majority of his illustrious career. Instead, Westbrook has chosen to go back to his high school roots by donning the No. 4 jersey.
Historical Significance of No. 4
This decision resonates deeply with Westbrook. “Obviously I could have stayed with zero if I wanted to, but I just decided to [pick four],” he explained. “It's kind of my first time in my career I can go back to my original number.” Westbrook's fondness for No. 4 dates back to his high school days, and it has always held a special place in his heart. “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 added, highlighting the sentimental value this switch holds.
A Journey Through Numbers
Westbrook’s professional journey with jersey numbers has not been straightforward. “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,” he recounted. Having had to settle on different numbers due to availability, this move to the Nuggets offered him a rare opportunity to return to No. 4.
Team Dynamics and Number Transitions
Number transitions within teams can often be intricate, requiring negotiation and agreement among players. In this instance, the No. 0 jersey at Denver is worn by Christian Braun, while rookie Hunter Tyson held the No. 4 jersey. To accommodate Westbrook’s preference, Tyson graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to claim No. 4.
Westbrook's Transfer and Team Integration
This jersey number change coincides with Westbrook's move to the Nuggets, a transfer that unfolded through a series of significant developments. Initially traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook later joined the Nuggets via a buyout of his contract, thus entering free agency. As he integrates into the Nuggets roster, his jersey number choice symbolizes a fresh chapter while invoking a long-standing personal tradition.
Support from Christian Braun
Westbrook emphasized that there was no contention over 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 clarified. Maintaining respect and harmony within the team has clearly been a priority.
New Beginnings
For Westbrook, this numerical shift is not merely a change of attire but a nod to his roots and the journey he has traversed. It signifies a return to his origins as he embarks on his new endeavor with the Nuggets. "It's an important aspect of the transition for me,” Westbrook asserted. As he steps onto the court wearing No. 4, fans will witness not just an elite athlete but a player reconnecting with his past to inspire his future.