Russell Westbrook hasn’t even stepped onto the court for the Denver Nuggets yet, but he’s already found himself at the center of some off-court drama that he felt compelled to address.
Earlier this week, rumors circulated suggesting that Westbrook had asked his new teammate, Christian Braun, to give up his jersey number, 0—a number Westbrook has famously worn throughout much of his career. According to the report, Braun, who has become a rising star with the Nuggets, was said to have declined the request.
However, Westbrook quickly took to social media to set the record straight, calling the story “false” and asking fans to leave Braun out of the controversy.
“Let’s please leave our young star alone,” Westbrook wrote in an Instagram post. He clarified that there had been no discussion between him and Braun about the number, stating, “[Christian Braun] 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!”
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Westbrook revealed that he will instead be donning the No. 4 jersey for the second time in his NBA career. He previously wore No. 4 during his 2020-21 season with the Washington Wizards, choosing it then out of respect for former All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who famously wore No. 0 for the franchise.
Even if the initial report had been accurate, it would make sense for Westbrook to downplay the situation, especially to protect Braun from any potential backlash. Braun, a young talent who has already helped the Nuggets secure a championship while wearing No. 0, is seen as a key piece of Denver’s future. It’s understandable that he might not want to part with the number that has become associated with his early success in the NBA.
Westbrook’s decision to adopt a new number seems to symbolize his fresh start with the Nuggets, allowing both him and Braun to focus on the upcoming season without unnecessary distractions.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Westbrook integrates with his new team and what impact he will make in Denver.
