Russell Westbrook's Jersey Change: Revisiting His Roots
Russell Westbrook, a name synonymous with the number 0 jersey, will not be donning his iconic number for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, Westbrook will return to his high school roots by wearing the number 4 jersey, a sentimental shift for the celebrated NBA star.
Westbrook’s Number Journey
This isn't the first time Westbrook has opted for the number 4. During his high school years, the prodigious guard sported this very number, which holds deep personal significance for him. "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 shared.
Over the years, jersey number transitions have marked various phases of his career. At UCLA, Arron Afflalo had already claimed the number 4 jersey by the time Westbrook arrived. Moving onto the Oklahoma City Thunder, he found veteran Nick Collison in possession of the number. Even his stint with the Houston Rockets saw him unable to reclaim his high school number as Danuel House had it.
Team and Trade Changes
Following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, Westbrook’s NBA journey saw another twist. A buyout of his contract facilitated his move to the Denver Nuggets in free agency, setting the stage for his latest jersey change.
The Denver Nuggets, already seeing the rise of newcomer Christian Braun who currently wears the number 0, presented Westbrook with the perfect opportunity to revert to his original number 4. Although Braun proudly sports the number 0 jersey, the young star had no discussions about passing it on to Westbrook. The veteran himself clarified, "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."
The Role of Hunter Tyson
Interestingly, before Westbrook could reclaim the number 4, another nugget had to be considered. Rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and holder of the number 4 jersey, had to make way. Tyson, who has appeared in just 18 games and averaged under three minutes per game, agreed to switch to the number 5 jersey, clearing the path for Westbrook to claim his preferred number.
Reflecting on this comfortable return to his roots, Westbrook stated, "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."
Mid-Career Nostalgia
This sentiment is not just a matter of preference but also a nod to Westbrook's illustrious journey. The number signifies more than just a jersey; it's a connection to where it all began. In a career marked by highs, lows, and relentless perseverance, such nostalgic elements provide grounding and motivation.
As Nuggets fans await the new season, they have more than just a superstar player to look forward to: they will witness Westbrook stepping onto the court, reconnecting with his past, and fully embracing the number that means so much to his identity. The number 4 will once again find its place on his back, symbolizing a full-circle moment in a career filled with determination, passion, and an unyielding drive for excellence.
New Beginnings
As one chapter closes with the number 0, a fresh one begins with the number 4. Through it all, Westbrook's legacy continues to evolve, reflecting both the changes in his professional journey and the deep roots of his early years in basketball. The Nuggets, and indeed the entire NBA community, will be keenly observing how this new change further shapes the chapter of Russell Westbrook's enduring career.