Russell Westbrook's Return to No. 4 Jersey: A Journey Full of Changes
Russell Westbrook’s dynamic career is set to take another nostalgic turn as he will not be donning the iconic No. 0 jersey for his new team, the Denver Nuggets, next season. Opting instead for the No. 4 jersey, this switch marks the second time in his professional journey that Westbrook has returned to a number that holds deep personal significance for him.
Westbrook’s decision to change numbers comes in the wake of a tumultuous period. Following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, a buyout of his contract paved the way for his eventual move to the Nuggets in free agency. "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 explained, shedding light on the sentimental value the No. 4 jersey holds for him.
High School Roots and Professional Obstacles
Westbrook’s affinity for the No. 4 jersey dates back to his high school days. However, his college and early NBA career presented a series of impediments that kept him from wearing his preferred number. "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.
The availability of the No. 4 jersey with the Nuggets was facilitated by rookie Hunter Tyson, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson had appeared in just 18 games for the Nuggets, averaging under three minutes per game, and graciously agreed to switch to No. 5, allowing Westbrook to reclaim No. 4.
Christian Braun, another young talent on the Nuggets roster, holds the No. 0 jersey. Braun, like Westbrook, also wore the No. 0 during his high school career. Westbrook made it clear there were no behind-the-scenes negotiations for the No. 0. "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 asserted.
A New Chapter, A Familiar Number
For Westbrook, the return to No. 4 is more than just a jersey number; it symbolizes a return to his roots and a fresh start in his professional career. "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," he elaborated. The decision reflects a desire to reconnect with his past, and perhaps draw strength from the familiarity and sentiment the number carries.
The journey to the Nuggets has been anything but straightforward for Russell Westbrook. His career has seen him navigate various challenges, from significant team changes to switches in jersey numbers due to availability issues. Yet, through it all, he remains a player who thrives on change and adapts with resilience.
As the Denver Nuggets gear up for the upcoming season, the sight of Russell Westbrook in a No. 4 jersey will undoubtedly evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement. It is a reminder of his high school beginnings and a testament to his enduring commitment to the game. Whether this change will usher in a new era of success for both Westbrook and the Nuggets remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the passion and drive of this seasoned athlete will continue to captivate fans and shape his legacy in the years to come.