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[Saba Sports News] Russell Westbrook hasn’t played a single minute for the Denver Nuggets yet, but he’s already had to clear up some controversy.
A recent report claimed that Westbrook asked teammate Christian Braun to give up his No. 0 jersey, which Westbrook has worn for most of his career. Braun allegedly refused the request.
Westbrook responded on social media, calling the story “false” and defending his new teammate.
“Let’s please leave our young star alone,” Westbrook wrote on Instagram. “[Christian Braun] and I never discussed him giving up No. 0. I didn’t want, inquire about, or request the number because I chose to mark this new chapter with a ‘new’ number. Unfortunately, with the excitement of a new season comes false stories. Not today!”
Westbrook has chosen to wear No. 4 for the Nuggets, the same number he wore during his 2020-21 season with the Washington Wizards in honor of former All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
Even if the initial report had been accurate, it’s understandable that Westbrook would want to protect Braun, a rising star for the Nuggets who has already won a championship wearing No. 0.