The Denver Nuggets added Russell Westbrook this summer to be a key rotational piece as they aim to return to the NBA Finals. The former MVP will not be wearing his iconic No. 0 in Denver, switching to No. 4 as third-year player Christian Braun refused to budge when asked if he’d give up his number to accommodate the incoming legend.
“Hunter Tyson will wear #5 this season after giving #4 to Russell Westbrook. There was an inquiry by Westbrook into wearing #0, I’m told, but Christian Braun didn’t budge. Tyson gave Westbrook #4 free of charge.”
We don’t know what the motive behind Braun refusing to give up his number to Westbrook is, but there’s never a compulsion for any player to give up their number for a new teammate. Hunter Tyson is a rookie and doesn’t have the latitude to tell Westbrook no without it having consequences, which is why he likely acquiesced.
Braun is expected to be a starter for the Nuggets this season after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure this summer. Funnily, Braun does rank higher than Westbrook on the Nuggets depth chart so he probably felt warranted in keeping his number instead of handing it to a player on a veteran’s minimum, even if that player is Westbrook.
The reason for Braun sticking with No. 0 is likely deeper, as many players often sell their number to someone who wants it. The report saying Braun ‘didn’t budge’ likely indicates Russ offered him something for it but the player didn’t want anything but the number. When it comes to that level of conviction, it might as well be the start of a new chapter for Westbrook with a new number.
Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season on the Clippers while Braun averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds on the Nuggets. As Braun gets ready for a starting spot in the backcourt, Russ will be the primary backup for the injury-prone Jamal Murray.
Nikola Jokic Wanted Russell Westbrook To Join The Nuggets
The Nuggets made multiple deliberate moves to open up just enough salary to acquire Russell Westbrook this summer, making a series of transactions going back to Draft night which made his arrival possible. With former title-winning backup Reggie Jackson gone, Westbrook has a clearly defined role on the franchise.
Outside of their backup guard needs which get exacerbated when Jamal Murray gets hurt, the Nuggets pursued Westbrook because Nikola Jokic made it clear he wanted to be teammates with Russ.
“I’ve been told that Nikola Jokic actually has been pushing behind the scenes to get Westbrook to Denver. I’ve been told that Nikola Jokic wants Westbrook in Denver. He wants to play with him. It’s not the first time he’s wanted to play with him.”
Jokic has gotten his wish and will now need to find a way to make it work. With Russ’s heavy on-ball style, it’ll be interesting to see who adjusts their game to fit in. Jokic seems to fit in regardless of play style, so he’ll definitely make things easier for Westbrook.
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