Russell Westbrook’s Jersey Switch: A Nod to His Roots
In a move that intertwines nostalgia with a fresh start, Russell Westbrook will not be wearing the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, the seasoned point guard will don the No. 4 jersey, a number that holds significant personal meaning for him.
Westbrook's decision to adopt the No. 4 jersey marks the second time he has opted for this number in his professional journey. Reflecting on this change, Westbrook shared, "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."
After being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, a buyout of his contract opened the door for Westbrook to join the Nuggets in free agency. This transition, already significant, is now underscored by his symbolic choice of jersey number.
Yet, this change was not without its logistical challenges. The No. 0 jersey is currently worn by Christian Braun on the Denver Nuggets roster, a detail that played into Westbrook’s decision. "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," Westbrook clarified.
Interestingly, the No. 4 jersey was initially held by Nuggets rookie Hunter Tyson, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, thus allowing Westbrook to claim the No. 4 jersey. Tyson has had a modest start with the Nuggets, appearing in only 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game.
Reflecting on his past, Westbrook recounted his connection to the No. 4 jersey during his high school years. This number has been an elusive emblem throughout much of his professional career. "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 explained. Now, with Tyson’s accommodation, he seizes the chance to re-embrace his original number.
The legacy of Westbrook’s career has always been marked by his assertiveness and individuality. This jersey switch is another chapter in that narrative—a blend of homage to his beginnings and an emblem of his evolving journey. "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 said.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Westbrook’s new number reflects not just a change in attire but a deeper, personal connection to his roots and a reminder of his origins. This step may well usher in a new era of his storied career—a career characterized by relentless drive, impressive statistics, and an unwavering sense of self. As fans and analysts alike anticipate how this latest development will impact his performance on the court, one thing remains clear: for Russell Westbrook, the number four is more than just a jersey; it is a symbol of his journey, resilience, and identity.