It’s summer in the NBA, so the free time is a perfect opportunity to reflect and learn more about the history of the league. Oklahoma City Thunder are a relatively new franchise, they technically share history with the Seattle Supersonics.
The Sonics’ first season was in 1967. The Thunder’s first season was in 2008. That kind of longevity has allowed several players to wear nearly every jersey number available.
In the midst of boredom, Thunder wire We’re going to look back at all 51 jersey numbers worn, from 00 to 97. This exercise will include the history of the Sonics. Let’s look at the 15 players who wore jersey No. 42 during their time with the franchise:
Walt Hazzard, 1968-74
Hazzard made history by becoming the first Sonics player to be named an All-Star. He played in the inaugural season, which earned him the nomination. It was his first stint in Seattle. He also played his final season there. He averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists in 128 career games in Seattle.
Lucius Allen, 1970
The Sonics selected Allen with the third overall pick in the 1969 NBA draft. He spent only his rookie season there. He averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 assists in 81 career games in Seattle.
John Brisker, 1973
After a stellar career in the ABA, Brisker made the jump to the NBA. He joined the Sonics for three seasons. He wore No. 42 his first year there. He averaged 11.9 points and four rebounds in 126 career games in Seattle.
John Hummer, 1975-76
Hummer was a role player who spent his final three seasons with the Sonics. He wore No. 42 his final two years with the Sonics. He averaged 4.3 points and four rebounds in 107 career games in Seattle.
Wally Walker, 1978-1982
The two-time NBA champion spent five seasons as a role player with the Sonics. Walker averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 350 career games in Seattle. He served as the Sonics’ general manager after his retirement.
Willie Wise, 1978
Wise had a cup of coffee with the Sonics. He spent his final season there and only played two games.
Alex Stivrins, 1986
Stivrins spent his first season with the Sonics and played only three games. He then went overseas for six years before returning to the NBA.
Curtis’ Kitchen, 1987
Kitchen’s NBA career lasted only one season. He played six games for the Sonics.
Greg Ballard, 1989
Ballard had a cup of coffee with the Sonics. He spent his final season there and only played two games.
Dave Corzine, 1991
Corzine spent his final season in the league with the Sonics. He averaged 1.7 points in 28 career games in Seattle.
Vin Baker, 1998-2002
The four-time All-Star spent five seasons with the Sonics. He had a breakout year in his first campaign with the Blue Bombers. He was named an All-Star, was selected to an All-NBA team and was named MVP and Most Improved Player. He was a productive starter. He averaged 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 326 career games in Seattle.
Donyell Marshall, 2008
Marshall spent the penultimate season of his 15-year career with the Sonics. He averaged 3.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15 career games in Seattle.
Morris Peterson, 2011
Peterson had a cup of coffee at the Thunder. He spent his final season there and played four games.
Thomas spent half the season with the Thunder. The player was productive when the Thunder needed help. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22 career games in OKC.
The Sixers needed to get rid of Horford and the Thunder gladly took him with draft capital. The veteran center spent just one season with the Thunder and was cut midway through as they battled for lottery odds. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 28 career games in OKC.
This article was originally published on OKC Thunder Wire: Every player in OKC Thunder history who wore number 42