The Oklahoma City Thunder, and their predecessors, the Seattle SuperSonics, have a rich and storied history filled with legendary players and iconic jersey numbers. Since the franchise’s inception at the start of the 1967-68 NBA season, a total of 51 different jersey numbers have been worn by players who have suited up for the team. To honor the legacy of those who have sported these numbers, Thunder Wire is taking a deep dive into the history behind each one, celebrating the athletes who wore them with pride.
One particularly interesting jersey number in this series is No. 21. Over the years, 16 players have donned this number, leaving their mark on the franchise in various ways. While some were role players, others contributed significantly to the team’s success. This article highlights one such player from the Seattle SuperSonics era—Dennis Awtrey, a big man who played a unique role during his time in the league.
Before we get into Awtrey’s impact, it's worth noting a fascinating historical twist. While the SuperSonics' legacy remains intertwined with the Thunder today, there’s always been a debate about what would happen if Seattle were to get a new NBA team. Just as the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their name and history after re-entering the league, many believe a future Seattle franchise should have the chance to bring back the SuperSonics’ identity. However, as things stand today, the history of the SuperSonics remains a part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s story, including all those who wore No. 21.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Dennis Awtrey, the fourth player in franchise history to wear No. 21. Awtrey’s journey to the NBA began at Santa Clara University, where he showcased his skills as a dominant big man. His hard work paid off when he was selected with the 46th overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Born in Hollywood, California, Awtrey brought a gritty, no-nonsense style of play that made him a valuable asset to multiple teams over the course of his career.
Awtrey’s NBA journey was anything but conventional. After spending parts of his first three professional seasons with the 76ers, he moved around the league, suiting up for the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics. However, it was his time with the Seattle SuperSonics that cemented his connection to the No. 21 jersey. In 1979, Boston traded him to Seattle, giving him a new opportunity to contribute to a team that was in the midst of building something special.
His first stint with the SuperSonics was brief—just 40 games before he was waived during the offseason. However, the team saw enough in him to bring him back for another run two seasons later. Though his numbers weren’t eye-popping—averaging 2.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game—his physical presence and experience provided depth to the roster. For a player like Awtrey, the impact he made on the court often went beyond the stat sheet.
As fans look back at the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Seattle SuperSonics, players like Dennis Awtrey serve as a reminder that every jersey number has a story. While superstars often grab the headlines, role players and journeymen like Awtrey are just as important in shaping the identity of a franchise. No. 21 may not be the most famous jersey in Thunder history, but it has been worn by players who left their mark in different ways.
With 16 players having worn No. 21, the number carries a legacy of its own within the franchise. Whether through brief stints or memorable contributions, each player added another chapter to the team’s ongoing history. And as the Thunder continue to build toward the future, it’s always worth looking back to appreciate the journey that brought them to where they are today.
Stay tuned as we continue our deep dive into the history of Thunder jersey numbers, celebrating the players who made their mark—one number at a time.
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