Russell Westbrook is preparing for a new challenge in his career after spending the last three seasons in LA with the Lakers and the Clippers. Westbrook, a former NBA MVP, joined two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in Denver and recently revealed the number he’ll wear in his first season in Colarado.
Some social media posts went viral this week, claiming Westbrook asked Braun for No. 0, and Braun refused. Westbrook cleared the rumors with a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday claiming that he never asked for No. 0, and he will be wearing the jersey with the No. 4 on its back.
Westbrook has worn jersey No. 0 for four of the five NBA teams he’s played for. Russell Westbrook concluded the post by saying he and Braun are “locked in” as teammates in Denver.
Westbrook will be wearing the same number he wore during his time with the Washington Wizards. The former Clippers guard signed a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets this offseason after averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field during the 2023-24 campaign.
Christian Braun has been on the Nuggets roster for the past three years. He played a role in the team’s 2023 championship run and established himself as a strong candidate to be a starter this season alongside Murray, Jokic, Porter Jr., and Gordon.
The NBA offseason brings a lot of questions to the table after missing key championship roster piece and adding Westbrook
The Denver Nuggets are once again entering the new season with high expectations as they roster the league’s MVP and a couple of All-Star caliber players around him. However, they lost a key piece to their 2023 dream playoff run as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left Denver to join the young Orlando Magic.
Denver ended up re-signing DeAndre Jordan and Vlatko Cancar, while they added Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook. The veteran star has proved himself as a bench unit runner who can lead the second-string players and keep the team on the positive side of the plus-minus.
However, his ability to play alongside Nikola Jokic will be a challenge considering that Westbrook’s playing style is efficient only when he’s the lone decision-maker and playmaker.
On the other hand, Dario Saric seems to be a solid addition after playing well in Golden State and remaining healthy for the season. It remains to be seen if Michael Malone can fit the pieces and help the Nuggets reach their second NBA title.
