When it comes to the history of NBA franchises, few teams have undergone as much transformation as the Oklahoma City Thunder. From their origins as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967 to their relocation and rebranding in 2008, the franchise carries a legacy that spans decades. Over the years, a total of 51 different jersey numbers have been worn by players representing the team, each number holding a unique story within the franchise's history.
Although the SuperSonics' identity might not officially remain tied to the Thunder should a new NBA team emerge in Seattle—just as the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their history after the Bobcats era—the legacy of those early Seattle teams is still very much a part of Oklahoma City's basketball DNA. This deep connection between past and present makes tracing the evolution of jersey numbers an exciting journey through time.
Spotlight on Jersey No. 20
One of the jersey numbers that has seen multiple players come and go is No. 20. Over the years, 10 different athletes have proudly sported this number, each leaving their mark in their own way. In this article, we shine a light on the fifth player to ever wear No. 20 for the franchise—Phil Smith, a talented guard whose basketball journey took him through several teams before landing in Seattle.
The Journey of Phil Smith
Hailing from San Francisco, California, Phil Smith made a name for himself in college basketball at the University of San Francisco. His skillset and potential caught the attention of the Golden State Warriors, who selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. That selection proved to be a solid move, as Smith went on to play six seasons with the Warriors, showcasing his abilities as a dependable scorer and playmaker.
After his tenure with Golden State, Smith took his talents to Southern California, joining the then-San Diego Clippers (now known as the Los Angeles Clippers). However, his time there was short-lived, as he was soon traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. This move marked the final chapter of his professional basketball career, but not before he made an impact in the Pacific Northwest.
Phil Smith’s Time in Seattle
During his time with the SuperSonics, Smith exclusively wore the No. 20 jersey. While his stats weren’t eye-popping—averaging 6.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—he contributed as a veteran presence on the team. His ability to provide steady minutes and leadership was valuable, especially as he wrapped up his career in a new environment.
Though his time in Seattle was brief, Smith’s role in the franchise's history shouldn’t be overlooked. Players like him helped build the foundation of what would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder, even if their tenure was relatively short.
The Legacy of the SuperSonics and Thunder
Looking at the bigger picture, every player who has donned a Sonics or Thunder jersey—regardless of their statistical contributions—adds another layer to the team’s legacy. While some numbers are associated with legendary figures, others represent role players who still played an essential part in their team’s journey. The franchise’s deep-rooted history, from the Emerald City to the heart of Oklahoma, tells a fascinating story of evolution, competition, and transformation.
The discussion of jersey numbers isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the memories attached to them, the players who wore them, and the moments they created on the court. As the Thunder continue to build their legacy, it's always worth looking back at the history that shaped them into the franchise they are today.
Stay tuned as we continue our deep dive into the numbers that have been worn throughout Thunder and SuperSonics history—uncovering the players, the moments, and the untold stories behind each jersey.
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