"Offload of many false stories" - Russell Westbrook shuts down reports of dispute with Nuggets guard over jersey number switch
Former MVP Russell Westbrook is setting the record straight regarding reports of an alleged dispute with Christian Braun over his jersey number. In recent days, reports have emerged indicating that Russell Westbrook asked Christian Braun about giving up No. 0 on the Denver Nuggets. Allegedly, Braun wouldn't budge, resulting in Westbrook taking No. 4
The situation sparked a slew of reactions across the NBA community, with some of the mindset that Braun should concede and give Westbrook No. 0 given that he's expected to be a future Hall of Famer. Others argued that Braun has been wearing No. 0 for the Nuggets since he was drafted.
Braun also won a championship with the Nuggets while wearing No. 0, further adding to his legacy with the team. Now, in a post on his Instagram story, Russell Westbrook has set the record straight.
Westbrook said he and Braun never discussed the Nuggets guard potentially giving up No. 0, given that he wanted a fresh start wearing No. 4.
"Let's please leave our young star alone. CB and I never discussed him passing along the number 0. I didn't want, inquire about, or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a "new" number.
The excitement of the new season has already begun, and unfortunately I know that means the offload of many false stories. Not today! CB and I are locked in and ready to get things rockin' in the mile-high city!"
Looking at the origin of the report of Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun's jersey dispute
Given that there has been plenty of talk and debate about the Westbrook/Braun supposed jersey dispute, let's take a look back at the origins of the report.
Earlier this summer, Russell Westbrook and the LA Clippers parted ways amid talk of Nikola Jokic, with whom Westbrook shares an agent, which pushed the Nuggets to acquire the former MVP.
In response, LA traded Westbrook to Utah, who then waived him for a second time in his career, opening the door for the former MVP to sign with Denver. Then, this week, Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reported that Westbrook inquired about Braun giving up the number, but the young guard "didn't budge."
As a result, second-year player Hunter Tyson reportedly was set to wear No. 5 so that Westbrook could wear No. 4, the number he wore with the Washington Wizards.
So far, Braun has yet to weigh in on the situation on social media; however, with the NBA season rapidly approaching, he's likely to be asked about the rumors during Denver's media day.
With Denver set to compete against the Boston Celtics in the NBA's Abu Dhabi games in early October, the team will be reporting to training camp on Sep. 24.