When you think about NBA teams with a deep history, the Oklahoma City Thunder—and their predecessor, the Seattle SuperSonics—have quite the legacy. Since the franchise’s inception at the start of the 1967-68 season, a total of 51 jersey numbers have been worn by various players who have stepped onto the court. That’s a lot of history stitched into those jerseys! And while Seattle’s colors may no longer be in play, their impact remains woven into the Thunder’s past, at least for now. Who knows? If Seattle gets another NBA team in the future—like how the Charlotte Bobcats transitioned back into the Hornets—the history books might shift. But for now, we’re diving deep into every jersey number ever worn in the franchise’s journey.
This time, we’re spotlighting a number that has had its fair share of wearers—jersey No. 22. Throughout the franchise’s timeline, a total of 20 players have donned this number. It’s been through battles, seen different eras, and carried the weight of various players' ambitions. One of those players was Jackie Robinson. No, not that Jackie Robinson—the baseball legend who broke barriers—or even the other notable namesakes. This Jackie Robinson made his mark on the basketball court, albeit briefly.
Robinson’s basketball journey began at UNLV, where he wrapped up his college career before making the leap to the NBA. The Houston Rockets took a chance on him, selecting him with the 67th overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. Back in those days, the draft had more rounds than it does today, meaning a selection that deep still carried some weight. However, Robinson’s stint with Houston didn’t pan out, and he found himself looking for another opportunity.
That opportunity came in 1979 when the Seattle SuperSonics took him in. A native of Los Angeles, California, Robinson suited up for the Sonics, wearing only jersey No. 22 during his brief tenure with the team. His time in Seattle lasted just a dozen games before he was waived in the offseason. But basketball careers are often full of twists and turns, and Robinson found his next home with the Detroit Pistons after parting ways with the Sonics.
During his short-lived time with Seattle, Robinson put up respectable numbers, considering his limited role. He averaged 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. While those numbers may not scream "franchise legend," they’re part of the mosaic of players who have contributed to the team’s history. Not every player gets a statue or a jersey hanging in the rafters, but every one of them played a role in shaping the franchise’s evolution.
Jersey No. 22 has seen many players come and go, each leaving their own imprint, whether for a season, a few games, or an entire era. It’s always fascinating to look back and see how these numbers have traveled through time, witnessing different players, styles of play, and pivotal moments.
As we continue chronicling the players behind every jersey number in Thunder (and SuperSonics) history, one thing remains clear: this franchise has a rich past, filled with stories that deserve to be remembered. Who knows what the next chapter will bring for jersey No. 22? With history as our guide, it’s bound to be an interesting ride.
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