The Oklahoma City Thunder, once known as the Seattle SuperSonics, have a rich and colorful history stretching back to their founding during the 1967-68 NBA season. Throughout the decades, players have proudly donned 51 different jersey numbers for this storied franchise. To celebrate this legacy, Thunder Wire is diving deep into the history of every single jersey number ever worn by a player who suited up for the team.
Although the Supersonics' era jerseys might not officially remain a part of the Thunder's history if a new NBA team returns to Seattle—similar to what happened with the Charlotte Hornets reclaiming their brand—they are still woven into the Thunder’s current narrative. This shared history gives fans of both iterations of the franchise a reason to reminisce about the past while appreciating the present.
Today, let’s focus on jersey No. 15, a number that has been worn by 20 players over the course of the franchise's existence. It's a journey that takes us from the early days of the Seattle SuperSonics to the Oklahoma City Thunder era, highlighting the players who carried this number and their contributions to the team.
George Wilson: The First to Wear No. 15
The journey of jersey No. 15 begins with George Wilson, a standout player during the Seattle SuperSonics’ formative years. A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Wilson had an impressive collegiate career at Cincinnati before being selected eighth overall in the 1964 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals (now known as the Sacramento Kings). His professional career started with stints on the Royals and the Chicago Bulls before he found himself heading west.
In 1967, Wilson became a part of history when he was selected by the newly-formed Seattle SuperSonics during the NBA’s expansion draft. He spent just one season in Seattle, where he exclusively wore jersey No. 15. During his time with the team, Wilson averaged 6.1 points and six rebounds per game, leaving a modest but meaningful mark on the franchise’s early years. His journey didn’t stop there, as he was later drafted in another expansion draft, this time by the Phoenix Suns in 1968.
The Legacy of Jersey No. 15
Over the years, jersey No. 15 has seen a revolving door of talent. Each player who wore it brought something unique to the team, contributing to the rich tapestry of the franchise’s history. From the scrappy players who came off the bench to the role players who delivered in clutch moments, No. 15 is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of the hard work and dedication that defines the team’s ethos.
- Diversity of Talent: The players who’ve worn this number range from promising rookies looking to make their mark to seasoned veterans adding experience to the roster.
- An Era-Spanning Number: From Seattle’s earliest days to Oklahoma City’s modern era, jersey No. 15 has stood the test of time, adapting to the changing faces and philosophies of the team.
Connecting the Past and Present
For fans, the history of the Thunder and the SuperSonics isn’t just about stats and games—it’s about the connections forged through time. Numbers like No. 15 serve as a thread linking the team’s origins in Seattle to its current success in Oklahoma City. This continuity keeps the spirit of the SuperSonics alive, even as the Thunder forge their own legacy in the NBA.
While debates continue about whether the SuperSonics’ history will someday branch off entirely if Seattle gets a new franchise, there’s no denying the impact that era had on the Thunder’s foundation. For now, the two eras coexist, giving fans a shared history to celebrate and explore.
What’s Next for Jersey No. 15?
As the Thunder continue to grow and evolve, jersey No. 15 will inevitably find its way onto the backs of new players, each adding their chapter to this long-standing story. Whether it’s a rookie hoping to prove himself or a veteran chasing a championship, the number remains a reminder of the team’s enduring legacy.
The beauty of sports lies in the stories behind the numbers, the players who wear them, and the moments they create. From George Wilson in the SuperSonics’ first season to the present day, jersey No. 15 represents a piece of basketball history worth celebrating.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Thunder fan or a nostalgic admirer of the SuperSonics, take a moment to reflect on the players who’ve made jersey No. 15 part of this incredible journey. After all, it’s more than just a number—it’s a symbol of a franchise that has stood tall through change, growth, and an unyielding passion for the game.
Login