When it comes to the Oklahoma City Thunder—and their predecessors, the Seattle SuperSonics—the franchise boasts a rich history spanning decades, full of legendary players and iconic moments. Over the years, a total of 51 different jersey numbers have been worn by players who suited up for this team, dating all the way back to the franchise’s founding in the 1967-68 NBA season.
To honor those players and the numbers they proudly displayed on their jerseys, Thunder Wire is diving deep into the history of each jersey number ever worn in franchise history. While the debate continues over whether the SuperSonics' history should remain part of the Thunder’s legacy, it’s undeniable that Seattle’s contribution is still recognized today—even though a future expansion team in Seattle (much like what happened with the Charlotte Hornets) could reclaim that past for itself.
Now, let’s zoom in on one specific jersey number—No. 20—which has been worn by 10 different players over the years. Among them, one of the most notable names is big man Maurice Lucas, who suited up for the SuperSonics during their Seattle era. Lucas had a fascinating basketball journey before donning the Sonics' green and gold.
Maurice Lucas: The First to Wear No. 20 for the Franchise
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maurice Lucas made a name for himself at Marquette University before entering the professional basketball scene. He was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. However, Lucas didn’t immediately take his talents to the NBA. Instead, he spent the first two seasons of his pro career in the ABA (American Basketball Association) with the Spirit of St. Louis. His journey through the ABA also saw him playing for the Kentucky Colonels, a team with a deep history in the league.
After the ABA-NBA merger, Lucas found himself making stops at multiple NBA teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. It was after being cut by the Lakers that he landed with the Seattle SuperSonics via waivers. His time with the Sonics wasn’t long, lasting just a single season, but he made an impression nonetheless. Sporting jersey No. 20, he averaged 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
Though his stay in Seattle was brief, Lucas had a storied career overall. After his Sonics stint, he eventually returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he finished out his time in the league. While many may remember him best for his days with the Blazers, he still remains an important piece of the SuperSonics’ history and, by extension, the Thunder's lineage.
The Evolution of No. 20 in Franchise History
Lucas was just the first of 10 players to wear No. 20 for the franchise. Over time, this jersey number would be passed down through different eras, each player bringing their own unique style and contributions to the court. Some players had brief stints with the number, while others carved out memorable performances that fans still remember today.
The significance of No. 20 goes beyond just the individuals who wore it—it represents the evolution of a franchise that transitioned from Seattle to Oklahoma City, navigating changes while maintaining a connection to its roots. Even though the SuperSonics’ jerseys may no longer be in rotation, their influence still lingers in the Thunder’s history.
As we continue this deep dive into the numbers worn throughout Thunder (and Sonics) history, it’s fascinating to see how each jersey tells a story, reflecting different generations of basketball and the players who left their mark on the game. No. 20 is just one of those numbers, but it carries with it the legacy of Maurice Lucas and the many others who followed in his footsteps.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the history behind every jersey number in the Thunder’s franchise story. With 51 numbers worn and countless memories attached, there’s plenty more to uncover in this journey through basketball history!
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