It is summer time within the NBA, so the free time is an ideal alternative to mirror and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the league. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are a comparatively new franchise, they technically share historical past with the Seattle Supersonics.
The Sonics’ first season was in 1967. The Thunder’s first season was in 2008. That form of longevity has allowed a number of gamers to put on practically each jersey quantity accessible.
Within the midst of boredom, Thunder wire We’ll look again in any respect 51 jersey numbers worn, from 00 to 97. This train will embrace the historical past of the Sonics. Let us take a look at the 16 gamers who wore jersey No. 44 throughout their time with the franchise:
Rod Thorn, 1968-1971
The Corridor of Famer spent 4 seasons with the Sonics, averaging 9.9 factors and a couple of.6 rebounds in 177 profession video games in Seattle. He went on to have a profession as a coach and entrance workplace member for a number of NBA groups.
Jim McDaniels, 1972-1974
After a profitable stint within the ABA, McDaniels made the soar to the NBA. He spent about three seasons with the Sonics. He averaged six factors and 5.2 rebounds in 107 profession video games in Seattle.
Frank Oleynick, 1976-1977
Oleynick performed within the NBA for 2 seasons, each with the Sonics. He averaged 5 factors in 102 profession video games in Seattle.
Paul Westphal, 1981
The Corridor of Famer spent only one season with the Sonics. One in all his 5 All-Star makes an attempt got here with them. He averaged 16.7 factors and 4.1 assists in 36 profession video games in Seattle. He then returned as head coach for 3 years.
David Thompson, 1983-1984
The Corridor of Famer spent his last two seasons with the Sonics. One in all his 5 makes an attempt at an All-Star Recreation got here with them. He averaged 15.2 factors, 3.3 rebounds and a couple of.5 assists in 94 profession video games in Seattle.
Terence Stansbury, 1987
Stansbury spent his last season within the league with the Sonics. He averaged 4 factors in 44 profession video games in Seattle.
Michael Cage, 1989-1994
The Thunder’s beloved play-caller was a high quality five-year starter for the Sonics. The previous rebounding champion was a near-double-double machine for them. He averaged 7.6 factors and eight.1 rebounds in 490 profession video games in Seattle.
Stephen Howard, 1998
Howard spent his last season with the Sonics. He averaged 1.9 factors in 13 profession video games in Seattle.
Greg Foster, 2000
Foster performed for the Sonics for one among his 13 seasons within the league. He averaged 3.4 factors in 60 profession video games in Seattle.
André Brown, 2007
Brown performed for the Sonics in his first season. He averaged 2.4 factors in 38 profession video games in Seattle.
Adrian Griffin, 2008
The longtime NBA coach spent his last season with the Sonics, averaging 1.1 factors in 13 profession video games in Seattle.
Kurt Thomas, 2008
Thomas had one among his most spectacular 18 seasons within the league with the Sonics, averaging 7.5 factors and eight.8 rebounds in 42 profession video games in Seattle.
Johnson spent one season with the Thunder. He averaged 1.8 factors in 31 profession video games in OKC.
Brown Jr. had a cup of espresso with the Thunder. He averaged 4.4 factors in 9 profession video games in OKC.
Jackson spent half the season with the Thunder. He averaged 7.2 factors and a couple of.2 rebounds in 33 profession video games in OKC.
The final Thunder participant to put on No. 44. Matter was chosen with the twelfth total decide within the 2024 NBA draft. He have to be affected person as he’ll miss his whole rookie season with {a partially} torn ACL. Matter has the potential to be a playmaker for OKC as soon as he returns from his knee harm.
This text was initially revealed on OKC Thunder Wire: Each participant in OKC Thunder historical past who wore quantity 44