Russell Westbrook Defends Nuggets Teammate Christian Braun Over Jersey Number Controversy

Denver Nuggets newcomer Russell Westbrook said there is zero bad blood against teammate Christian Braun over an alleged jersey number dilemma.

On Tuesday, Westbrook reportedly made his jersey number official in Denver, choosing No. 4, which is a huge departure from his famous "0" look.

Denver currently has Kansas grad Christian Braun wearing No. 0. 

A rumor arose that the veteran Westbrook asked Braun to surrender No. 0, which Braun allegedly refused.

DALLAS - Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts in the second half of game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 28, 2024. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Eager to clear the air, Westbrook defended his new teammate and dispelled the rumors of his request for 0, saying his decision to pick No. 4 as his new jersey number was part of his zen "fresh start" approach at Mile High.

Westbrook addressed the rumored dilemma involving Braun on his Instagram Stories. Russ' caption read, "Let's please leave our young star alone. CB [Christian Braun] and I never discussed him passing along the number 0. 

"I didn't want to inquire about it or request the number 0 because I chose to mark this new change with a ‘new’ number. The excitement of the new season has already begun, and unfortunately I know that means the offload of many false stories. Not today! CB and I are locked in and ready to get things rockin' in the Mile High City!"

It takes a real vet like Russ to clear up the air with haste.

DENVER - Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023