Russell Westbrook Embraces No. 4: A Nod to His Roots
As the Denver Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, one significant change is the new jersey number of their recent acquisition, Russell Westbrook. The veteran guard will be wearing No. 4, a switch that reflects both personal nostalgia and a new chapter in his storied career.
A Journey Through Jersey Numbers
For the past several years, fans have identified Russell Westbrook with the No. 0 jersey, a number he famously wore during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers. However, this season, Nuggets rookie Hunter Tyson agreed to vacate the No. 4 jersey, allowing Westbrook to reclaim the number he wore during his high school days.
"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 stated. "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."
A Nostalgic Return
Westbrook’s attachment to the No. 4 jersey runs deep. Throughout his professional journey, he frequently encountered situations where the number was already taken. Arron Afflalo wore No. 4 at UCLA, Nick Collison held it in Oklahoma City, and Danuel House sported it in Houston. Each time, Westbrook adapted, often donning the No. 0 jersey instead.
"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.
Transition Through Teams
After being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook found himself at another crossroads. The buyout of his contract provided him with the flexibility to join the Denver Nuggets in free agency. Given this new opportunity, he sought to begin this chapter with a fresh yet familiar start. Despite any potential expectation for him to request the No. 0 jersey, which Christian Braun currently wears for the Nuggets, Westbrook charted a different course.
"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 said, emphasizing his decision to respect his teammate while claiming a number that resonates deeply with him.
The Nuggets’ New Landscape
The reassignment of the numbers is indicative of the shifting dynamics within the Nuggets’ roster. Christian Braun, who also wore No. 0 during his high school days, retains the number for Denver, while Tyson moves to No. 5 to accommodate Westbrook’s request.
Hunter Tyson's willingness to switch numbers underscores the collective ethos of the team. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Tyson has made 18 appearances for the Nuggets, albeit with limited minutes. His flexibility in this jersey swap signifies a greater team-oriented mindset, essential for fostering team chemistry.
Looking Ahead
As Westbrook acclimates to his new environment, his choice to wear No. 4 stands as a poignant reminder of his early beginnings and the perseverance that has defined his career. This gesture symbolizes both respect for his new teammates and a connection to his past, underscoring the layers of his professional journey.
The Denver Nuggets and their fans now eagerly anticipate how this veteran’s infusion will impact their season. Russell Westbrook, donning his original No. 4 jersey, is poised to bring both his experience and his indomitable spirit to the Mile High City.