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Russell Westbrook Denies ‘False Story’ On Jersey Number
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

NBA star Russell Westbrook has recently addressed rumors surrounding his jersey number after joining the Denver Nuggets, firmly denying any drama involving teammate Christian Braun. The speculation arose when reports suggested that Westbrook had requested to wear his iconic No. 0 jersey, which Braun currently holds. However, Westbrook took to Instagram to clarify the situation, stating that he never sought to reclaim his old number.

Setting the Record Straight

In his Instagram post, Westbrook emphasized his respect for Braun and urged fans to leave the young player alone. He stated, “CB 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.”

Westbrook, who signed a two-year deal with the Nuggets this offseason, will wear No. 4, a number he previously donned during his time with the Washington Wizards. He expressed excitement for the upcoming season and disappointment at the spread of false information, asserting that he and Braun are “locked in and ready to get things rockin’ in the mile high city.”

The Context of the Number Change

The confusion over Westbrook’s jersey number arose after reports indicated that Braun had refused to give up No. 0 for Westbrook. However, those reports were clarified, revealing that Westbrook’s inquiry about the number was more of a formality than a serious request. Braun, who played a crucial role in the Nuggets’ championship run last season, has established himself in the team’s rotation, making the retention of his number significant.

Westbrook’s Journey

This season marks Westbrook’s sixth team in the NBA, following stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his competitive spirit and triple-double prowess, Westbrook aims to make a positive impact in Denver as he embraces this new chapter in his career.

As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, the handling of the jersey number situation by Russell Westbrook reflects his focus on teamwork and commitment to his new role. Fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new environment and contributes to the team’s success.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

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