When Russell Westbrook officially signed that two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets in the summer of 2024, the internet basically broke for a second. Seeing Russ in the Mile High City was a trip. But honestly, the biggest conversation wasn’t even about his fit next to Nikola Jokic—it was about the russell westbrook nuggets jersey and specifically that number on the back.
People just assumed he’d pull the "veteran move" and snag number 0.
He didn't.
If you’ve been following the NBA for a minute, you know Westbrook and the number 0 are practically synonymous. From UCLA to OKC, and most of his stops in between, that zero was a statement. It was his brand. But walking into the Denver locker room, things were different. Christian Braun, the young spark plug for the Nuggets, already owned that number.
And no, there wasn't some dramatic beef or a high-priced buyout for the digits.
The Real Story Behind the Number 4
There was a whole bunch of noise online—kinda toxic, if we're being real—claiming Westbrook tried to bully Braun out of his jersey. Russ eventually had to hop on Instagram to shut it down. He made it clear: he never even asked. He wanted a fresh start. A new chapter.
So, he went with 4.
Why 4? It’s not just a random backup choice. It's actually his favorite number. He wore it way back at Leuzinger High School. He wanted it at UCLA, but Arron Afflalo had it. He wanted it in Oklahoma City, but Nick Collison had it. He even wanted it in Houston, but Danuel House was wearing it.
Basically, Russ has been trying to wear number 4 for his entire professional career, but he’s always been the "new guy" coming into a locker room where it was already taken. The only other time he successfully wore it was during that triple-double-heavy season with the Washington Wizards.
For Westbrook, the number 4 represents his family—his mom, his dad, and his brother. It’s the core four. When you see that russell westbrook nuggets jersey with the 4 on it, you’re looking at him going back to his roots.
Style and Design: What Does the Jersey Actually Look Like?
The Denver Nuggets have some of the cleanest kits in the league right now. You’ve got the standard Icon (Navy), Association (White), and Statement (Blue/Yellow) editions, but the real heat comes from the City Edition.
In late 2025, the Nuggets leaned heavily into that "Rainbow Skyline" nostalgia. If you’re a jersey collector, that’s the one to get. The 2025-26 City Edition features a black base with those iconic retro rainbow hues, and seeing the 4 in that typeface is a serious aesthetic.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you'll find on the rack:
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- The Icon Edition: Deep midnight blue. It’s the classic look Russ wears for most road games.
- The Association Edition: Crisp white. Simple. Clean.
- The Statement Edition: Usually a bolder "Sunshine Yellow" or "Skyline Blue" with the Ibotta sponsor patch.
- The City Edition: This is where the 5280 branding usually lives, or the throwback rainbow designs that fans go crazy for.
The Ibotta patch is a mainstay on these. It's situated on the left chest, while the Nike "Swoosh" or Jordan "Jumpman" (on the Statement edition) sits on the right.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
If you're hunting for a russell westbrook nuggets jersey, don't get scammed by those sketchy "clearance" sites. Stick to the official NBA Store, Fanatics, or the altitudeauthentics.com site (that's the official Nuggets team shop).
You’ll generally see three price points:
- Replica (Fast Break): These run about $80. They’re comfortable, but the letters and numbers are heat-pressed, not stitched. Good for casual wear.
- Swingman: The most popular version. Usually around $125–$135. These have better fabric and look much closer to what the players wear.
- Authentic: These are the "on-court" specs. Expect to drop $240+ for these. They have the zig-zag stitching and the premium Vapor knit fabric.
One thing to watch out for: Russell Westbrook jerseys sell out fast in Denver. Since he’s become a bit of a cult hero for his energy off the bench, the "4" jerseys are often backordered.
The "Westbrook Effect" in Denver
It’s weird. A few years ago, Nuggets fans weren’t exactly Westbrook’s biggest supporters. There was a lot of history there, especially during those heated OKC vs. Denver battles. But sports are funny like that. Now, you can't walk through Ball Arena without seeing a sea of number 4 jerseys.
He’s embraced the "Blue Collar" vibe of the city. He’s the guy diving for loose balls while the starters catch their breath.
I actually saw a clip recently of a South Korean superfan named Kim who flew all the way to Denver just to see Russ. Westbrook literally took the jersey off his back and gave it to him after the game. That kind of stuff is why the jersey means more than just a piece of polyester. It’s a symbol of a guy who, despite being an MVP and a future Hall of Famer, is willing to be a role player to help a team win a chip.
How to Care for Your Jersey
Listen, if you spend $130 on a jersey, please don't just throw it in the dryer on high heat. That’s how you get those ugly bubbles in the numbers.
Pro Tip: Wash it inside out on a cold, gentle cycle. Hang it up to dry. Never, ever use a dryer. The heat destroys the adhesive on the patches. If you treat it right, that russell westbrook nuggets jersey will last long enough to become a "vintage" piece ten years from now.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to grab one, check the official Nuggets Team Store first for any "City Edition" exclusives you won't find on the general NBA site. Make sure you're buying the "4" and not a leftover "0" from some weird custom shop that didn't get the memo. If you're between sizes, always size up on the Nike Swingman jerseys; they tend to run a bit slim.