Russell Westbrook's Jersey Switch: A Journey Back to His Roots
In a significant move for both himself and his fans, Russell Westbrook will not be donning the No. 0 jersey for the Denver Nuggets next season. Instead, fans will see him sporting the No. 4, a number that holds deep personal significance for the star player.
This marks the second time Westbrook has switched to the No. 4 jersey in his illustrious career. The decision came after a series of events that saw him traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz, and subsequently joining the Nuggets in free agency following a buyout of his contract. Clearly, it's been a transformative period for the former MVP.
One might wonder about the backstory of this numeric transition. Christian Braun, the current custodian of the No. 0 jersey for the Nuggets, also wore that number during his high school career. It turns out that the number change was not a contentious matter between the two teammates. "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0," Westbrook clarified. "I did want to inquire about or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a 'new' number."
Indeed, the choice to embrace the No. 4 jersey once again does signify a fresh start. The number holds particular nostalgia for Westbrook, as he wore it during his high school days. "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 reflected. This nostalgic value was a guiding factor in his choice to switch numbers at this stage in his career.
Westbrook has had a turbulent relationship with the No. 4 jersey over the years. At UCLA, Arron Afflalo had possession of No. 4, relegating Westbrook to other numbers. When he arrived in Oklahoma City, veteran Nick Collison was already wearing No. 4, and in Houston, Danuel House held it. "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.
Interestingly, the No. 4 jersey was already occupied in Denver. Rookie Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had been wearing it, appearing in 18 games and averaging under three minutes per game. Faced with this predicament, Tyson agreed to switch to No. 5, thereby allowing Westbrook to claim his coveted number. This move underlines not only Tyson's team spirit but also his understanding of the significance this number holds for Westbrook.
The narrative here is not merely about a number change; it's about a player reconnecting with his roots and finding a sense of personal solace in a new chapter. "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 noted, underscoring the emotional and personal dimensions of this decision.
For fans and followers of Westbrook, this shift in jersey number represents more than just a numerical change. It symbolizes a moment of reflection and resurgence for a player who continues to make his mark in the NBA. As he takes to the court next season in Denver, No. 4 will be more than just a digit on his back; it will be a testament to his journey, resilience, and connection to his beginnings.