Russell Westbrook (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook has made a significant move this offseason, signing a two-year, $6.77 million contract with the Denver Nuggets. The nine-time All-Star also takes on a new jersey number with his new team, though it’s not his first choice.

Since his rookie season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook has been closely associated with the No. 0 jersey. He continued to wear this number through his tenures with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. The only exception was during his stint with the Washington Wizards, where he donned the No. 4 jersey.

However, Westbrook will once again be wearing No. 4 in Denver. According to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports, Westbrook initially aimed to continue his tradition of wearing No. 0. However, the Nuggets’ star Christian Braun had already taken this number. When Westbrook approached Braun about swapping numbers, he kept his No. 0 jersey.

The Nuggets star then shifted his focus to another possibility. He reached out to Hunter Tyson, wearing the No. 4 jersey. Fortunately for Westbrook, Tyson was more accommodating than Braun. Tyson agreed to switch his number from No. 4 to No. 5 without charge, allowing Westbrook to claim the No. 4 jersey again.

Fans React to Christian Braun Refusing to Give Up His Jersey Number to Russell Westbrook

NBA fans were amused and surprised by the saga surrounding Russell Westbrook’s jersey number with the Denver Nuggets. Many found it hard to believe that Christian Braun would be so resistant to giving up his No. 0 jersey to the new addition, Westbrook.

Some fans criticized Braun for refusing to change his jersey number. They argued that Westbrook deserved to keep his iconic No. 0 and that Braun should have been more accommodating.

On the other hand, there was also a strong contingent of fans who supported Braun’s decision to keep his number. They supported Braun’s decision to stand his ground. They appreciated that he valued his connection to the No. 0 jersey, especially since he wore it during the Nuggets’ victory over the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals.

The number carries deep meaning for Braun and his supporters, representing the championship victory. Therefore, at least for the time being, Braun’s decision shouldn’t be viewed negatively.