The Best Oklahoma City Thunder Players of All Time
Despite being a relatively new team, basketball fans must know who are the best Oklahoma City Thunder players of all time. Up until 2008, they were still known as the Seattle SuperSonics. To make things a bit more interesting, this list ranks the best Seattle SuperSonics and Oklahoma City Thunder players together. So vote below on who you think are the best SuperSonics and Thunder players of all time.
With their formation in 1967, the Sonics won over fans in the Pacific Northwest with their exciting brand of basketball. By the mid-1970s, the Sonics were title contenders. With players like Gus Williams, Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma and Dennis Johnson, the Sonics went far in the playoffs and eventually captured its first NBA title in 1979. After a down period in the early 1980s, the Sonics rebounded in at the end of the decade. Two of the greatest players in history, Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton joined the team and turned the team into a powerhouse.
When the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, the cupboard wasn't bare. The team had a superstar in place with Kevin Durant and after drafting Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the team was on its way. These are three of the best current NBA players and the Thunder at one point had all three on its roster. The team went to the 2011 NBA Finals on the strength of these three stars. Durant is already considered one of the greatest players in NBA history and still has much of his career ahead of him.Â
This is a list of the best Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder of all time. If someone is missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank according to who you think should be considered the greatest Sonics/Thunder player ever. Â- 1Point guard
- Age: 34
- Birthplace: Long Beach, California
- Number: 0
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
With his relentless energy and explosive athleticism, Russell Westbrook has etched his name among the all-time greats of the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. A true triple-double machine, Westbrook's versatility on the court as a playmaker, rebounder, and scorer has left fans in awe for years. Beyond the numbers, he has solidified his legacy with unmatched passion and fiery competitiveness that leaves a lasting impact on the sport.
- 2Point guard
- Age: 55
- Birthplace: Oakland, California
- Number: 20
- Teams: Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Supersonics, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks
Known as "The Glove" for his suffocating defensive skills, Gary Payton was a key figure in the '90s Seattle SuperSonics era. Masterful at both ends of the court, Payton's gritty attitude and ability to light up the scoreboard made him one of the most feared guards in the league. His enduring influence on the sport can be felt in numerous young, tenacious defenders who have followed in his footsteps.
- 3Shooting guard
- Age: 48
- Birthplace: USA, Merced, California
- Number: 34
- Teams: Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks
Ray Allen's sweet shooting stroke and clutch performances cemented his position as one of the most lethal sharpshooters to ever grace the NBA hardwood. As a cornerstone of the SuperSonics, Allen's prowess from beyond the arc was only matched by his ability to attack the rim and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His impact on the sport goes beyond his individual accolades, as his shooting revolutionized the game and inspired countless players of the modern era.
- 4Small forward
- Age: 35
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
- Number: 35
- Teams: Brooklyn Nets
Standing tall at 6'10", Kevin Durant's unique blend of size, skill, and scoring touch made him one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in NBA history. As a member of the Thunder, Durant was a walking mismatch who could score from virtually anywhere on the court. His contributions to the game have transcended on-the-court success, inspiring a generation of young athletes to strive for greatness.
- 5Power forward
- Age: 53
- Birthplace: Elkhart, Indiana
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Seattle Supersonics
Nicknamed "Reign Man," Shawn Kemp's high-flying dunks and powerful athleticism terrorized opponents during his tenure with the SuperSonics. Alongside Gary Payton, Kemp formed one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history and helped establish Seattle as a force to be reckoned with. The sheer ferocity of his play will forever remain ingrained in the memories of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
- 6Small forward
- Age: 33
- Birthplace: Palmdale, California
- Number: 24
- Teams: Los Angeles Clippers
As a versatile two-way star, Paul George brought elite scoring ability and lockdown defense to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the capacity to score from anywhere on the floor and guard multiple positions, George's contributions to the franchise extended far beyond his time on the court. His perseverance through injuries and commitment to the game continue to inspire fans and players alike.
