When Russell Westbrook play with the Denver Nuggets Next season he will not wear number 0. He will instead wear number 4.

The No. 4 previously belonged to Nuggets power forward Hunter Tyson. But when Westbrook asked if he could keep the number, Tyson agreed. Next season, Tyson will wear No. 5.

This is the second time in Westbrook’s professional career that he wore the number 4. The former MVP wore the number 4 during his only season with the Washington Wizards in 2020.

While with the Wizards in 2020, Westbrook explained the inspiration to move on to #4.

“Obviously I could have stayed at zero if I wanted to, but I just decided to [pick four]Westbrook said via Jordan Heck of The Sporting News.

“This is the first time in my career that I’ve been able to go back to my original number. When I got to Oklahoma, even UCLA, I was 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 haven’t had a chance to go back to my original number. Four is my favorite number. It reminds me of my roots and gives me a glimpse of where I started and what came through my mind.”

In a 2017 interview with Air Jordan, Westbrook said the number 4 also has ties to his family, with many family members wearing it during their athletic careers.

“My favorite number has always been four because that’s the number of people in my family: my little brother, my mom and my dad,” Westbrook said. “My family is always with me at every milestone. Even though they’re not here physically, I talk to them before and after every game and I know they’re watching me and they’re with me in spirit. There’s not one person in my family that’s pushed me more than anyone else, they’ve all pushed me and they’ve all had an impact on me.”

Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun battling for Nuggets’ No. 0 spot?

LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, headlines were made when a report emerged that the Nuggets’ Christian Braun had rejected Westbrook’s request for No. 0. It turns out that report was false, and Westbrook clarified that he had never asked Braun for the number.

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“Please let’s leave our young star alone,” Westbrook wrote on his Instagram story.

“CB and I never discussed the possibility of him passing on the number 0. I did not want to inquire or ask for the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a “new” number.”

In addition to brushing aside the fake drama, Westbrook expressed his excitement about playing with his new team and teammates.

“The excitement of the new season has already begun. And unfortunately, I know that means the spilling of a lot of false stories,” Westbrook continued. “Not today! CB and I are locked in and ready to shake things up in the Mile High City!”

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