Nuggets Guard Called Out After Russell Westbrook Denial

Russell Westbrook will not be wearing his familiar jersey No. 0 when he takes the court with the Denver Nuggets next season.

Westbrook asked his new teammate Christian Braun for the number but the 23-year-old guard "didn't budge," per Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.

Instead, Westbrook will sport No. 4 next season, which he wore for one year with the Washington Wizards during the 2020-21 season. Hunter Tyson gifted Westbrook his new Nuggets number.

"Hunter Tyson will wear No. 5 this season after giving No. 4 to Russell Westbrook," Wind tweeted on Monday. "There was an inquiry by Westbrook into wearing No. 0, I’m told, but Christian Braun didn’t budge. Tyson gave Westbrook No. 4 free of charge."

Braun's decision not to give Westbrook the number — even for a price — didn't sit well with some fans.

"And just like that, Braun lost a ton of support," one fan wrote.

Westbrook, a future Hall of Famer with a storied career, has a resume that speaks volumes. Yet, fans were quick to point out that Braun also made his mark in Denver wearing the number zero as a key role player on the Nuggets' championship team in 2023.

"I respect it," another fan wrote. "He got a ring wearing No. 0. Shouldn't have to give it up because someone else joined the team."

Braun is far from an All-Star but has become a solid part of the rotation in Denver. The former first-round pick averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game last season.

Westbrook is on the back end of his career but gets a shot at his first ring in Denver. He inked a two-year, $6.8 million deal with the Nuggets in July.

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