No. 33: A Jersey That Traveled Through Time in Thunder and Sonics History
In the colorful tapestry of NBA history, jersey numbers often carry more than just digits—they’re walking memories stitched into fabric. And when it comes to the Oklahoma City Thunder (and their predecessor, the Seattle SuperSonics), few numbers have as rich a rotation as the iconic No. 33. Since the franchise kicked off in the 1967-68 season, a total of 17 players have suited up wearing that very number, each adding their own chapter to the story.
But before we dive into player No. 6 on that list, let’s take a quick look at the bigger picture.
⚡ A Brief History of the Franchise
Let’s rewind to 1967—Seattle welcomed an expansion NBA team: the SuperSonics. For decades, the green and gold gave fans some legendary memories, from downtown shots to fierce paint battles. Then, in 2008, the franchise took a dramatic shift, moving to Oklahoma City and becoming the Thunder.
While the history books got a little messy with that move—particularly for fans in Seattle—one thing's clear: the jersey lineage remained intact. Just like how the Charlotte Hornets got back their history after a name shuffle with the Bobcats, the Supersonics’ jersey numbers are still honored under the Thunder umbrella. For now, at least.
🔍 Spotlight on Jersey No. 33
We’re focusing today on jersey No. 33—a number that's traveled across the decades, worn by 17 different players through the ups and downs of the franchise. And yes, we’re stopping on the sixth player to ever rock that number: Steve Johnson.
Let’s talk about this big man from Akron, Ohio—a player who may not have made nightly headlines but certainly left his footprints on the hardwood.
🏀 Steve Johnson: The 6th Man to Rock 33
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Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
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College: Oregon State
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NBA Draft: 7th overall in 1981 by the Kansas City Kings
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Teams Played For:
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Kansas City Kings
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Chicago Bulls
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San Antonio Spurs
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Portland Trail Blazers
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Minnesota Timberwolves
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Seattle SuperSonics
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Golden State Warriors
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After wrapping up a solid college career with Oregon State—where he was a dominant force in the post—Johnson was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Kings (who would later become the Sacramento Kings).
He spent three years trying to establish himself there before beginning what would be a bit of a tour around the league. Johnson had stints in Chicago and San Antonio, where he found moderate success, and later spent some productive years with the Portland Trail Blazers. It was in Portland where he really found his groove, even earning an All-Star selection in 1988. But his time there eventually came to an end, and by 1990, he found himself in Seattle.
📅 His Sonic Stay: Short But Notable
When Steve Johnson landed in Seattle in 1990, it was more of a pitstop than a destination. His stint with the SuperSonics was brief—just a slice of the 1990 season—but it was impactful enough to etch his name into the history of jersey No. 33.
During his time in the emerald city:
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Points per Game: 5.6
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Rebounds per Game: 2.4
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Jersey Worn: No. 33 (and only that number)
Though those numbers won’t blow anyone away on a stats sheet, they speak to the veteran presence he brought to the team during a transitional period.
Later that fall, Johnson signed with the Golden State Warriors, officially marking the end of his short Sonic era. Still, his contribution to the franchise, however brief, lives on through the number he wore.
🎽 No. 33: More Than a Number
So why does jersey No. 33 matter? Because numbers in sports have a funny way of becoming symbols. They represent eras, personalities, and sometimes, a kind of magic.
Here’s why jersey No. 33 has stood out over the years:
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It’s versatile: Big men, sharpshooters, and role players alike have worn it.
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It bridges two cities: Players wearing 33 played both in Seattle and Oklahoma City.
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It tells a story: Each wearer adds their own flavor, and Johnson’s chapter is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
🔢 Fun Fact: Total Players to Wear No. 33 — Seventeen!
That’s right—since the start of the franchise, 17 players have suited up in the No. 33 jersey. From bench contributors to short-term vets like Steve Johnson, they’ve all brought something different to the court.
And that’s what Thunder Wire is celebrating with this series—a deep-dive into the history of every single jersey number worn in this franchise's 50+ year legacy.
📊 Data Doesn’t Lie
All of these facts, figures, and flashbacks are brought to you courtesy of Basketball Reference, a go-to source for stats geeks and casual fans alike. From shooting percentages to team records, it’s the behind-the-scenes engine that powers these kinds of retrospectives.
💬 Looking Ahead…
As we keep rolling through this jersey number series, stay tuned for more profiles of players who might’ve worn a number you used to rock in high school—or maybe one your favorite player wears now.
Whether you're a longtime Sonics supporter reminiscing about the old Coliseum days or a Thunder fan watching the current core rise, there’s something fascinating about looking back through the numbers.
Steve Johnson’s time in Seattle may have been short, but like every player who’s worn No. 33, he played a part in building this franchise’s legacy—one game, one rebound, one jersey at a time.
📝 Final Thoughts
Jersey numbers may fade from the backs of jerseys, but they never disappear from franchise memory. No. 33 continues to live on through the players who wore it with pride—from the original days of the SuperSonics to today’s Thunder storms in OKC.
So next time you see a No. 33 on the court, remember: it’s more than a number. It’s history stitched in thread, and players like Steve Johnson helped weave it together.
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