Russell Westbrook to don #4 jersey in Denver after third year guard refuses to give up famed #0 jersey
For the majority of his career, Russell Westbrook has donned the number zero on the back of his jersey. Following a failed attempt to exchange with one of his new teammates, that won't be the case in his new situation.
Earlier this summer, the LA Clippers decided to trade the former MVP after one-and-a-half years with the franchise. He was shipped to the Utah Jazz again, where he was waived and given the opportunity to hit free agency. Upon reaching the open market, Westbrook made the decision to sign a deal with the Denver Nuggets.
Earlier this week, news emerged regarding Russell Westbrook's jersey situation with the Nuggets. He reportedly reached out to Christian Braun about an exchange, but the third-year guard didn't budge. That said, 2023 second-round pick Hunter Tyson did change his number so Westbrook could wear No. 4.
This will mark the second stint in Westbrook's career where he won't wear the number zero. The first was back in 2021 when he was playing for the Washington Wizards.
Before wearing No. 4 in the pros, Westbrook wore the number during his high school career. He chose that number because it represents the number of people in his family.
Denver Nuggets post photos of Russell Westbrook working out in team gear
With his signing being made official a few weeks back, Russell Westbrook is now a member of the Denver Nuggets. Based on the team's recent social media activity, he appears to be embracing his new situation.
Over the weekend, the Nuggets team account posted a series of photos of Westbrook working out in team gear. Along with repping his new squad, the former All-Star looks to already be ramping up for the 2025 season.
After winning an NBA championship in 2023, the Nuggets failed to defend their title last season. They finished as the second seed in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the semifinal round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Over the past year, one of the main criticisms of the Nuggets roster is the depth they've lost since being crowned champions. Bringing in players like Westbrook is an attempt to address this area of need.
Russell Westbrook isn't the MVP-caliber player he once was, but he is still capable of being a productive player on a good team. Last season with the LA Clippers, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists off the bench.
With the Nuggets, Westbrook will likely serve as a backup to Jamal Murray. With his energy and athleticism, he can provide a spark for the second unit when Murray and Nikola Jokic are off the floor.