The Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics, have seen a total of 51 different jersey numbers worn by players throughout the franchise's rich history. Since the team's inception in the 1967-68 NBA season, countless athletes have suited up, each leaving their mark on the hardwood. While the Sonics' legacy might take a new turn should an expansion team ever return to Seattle—just as the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their history—today, their past is intertwined with the Thunder's story.
As part of Thunder Wire’s ongoing tribute to the team’s jersey number history, we're diving into the details of each number worn since the franchise’s founding. This time, we’re turning our attention to jersey No. 17—a number sported by five players over the years.
One of the most recent and notable players to don the No. 17 jersey for the Thunder was forward Aleksej Pokusevski. A versatile, lanky player from Belgrade, Serbia, Pokusevski was originally selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being swiftly traded to Oklahoma City.
Poku, as he’s affectionately called by fans, had an intriguing run with the Thunder, playing parts of four seasons with the team. His time in OKC was filled with flashes of brilliance, moments of growth, and, at times, inconsistency. He averaged 7.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, showing glimpses of his unique skill set as a 7-footer with guard-like abilities. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Thunder came to an end in 2024 when he was waived, eventually signing with the Charlotte Hornets.
Pokusevski’s journey in the NBA has been anything but conventional. As a raw but highly skilled international prospect, he quickly became a fan favorite for his unorthodox style of play—sometimes dazzling with deep three-pointers and behind-the-back passes, other times leaving fans scratching their heads with risky decision-making. Nonetheless, his stint in Oklahoma City was part of the team’s ongoing development era, where young players were given opportunities to grow and shine.
The history of the No. 17 jersey within the franchise goes beyond just Pokusevski. Over the years, different players have worn the number, each contributing in their own way. While some had short stints, others made a lasting impression, helping shape the team’s evolving identity.
OKC’s approach to player development has often been centered on patience, allowing young talents like Pokusevski to experiment and refine their games. This philosophy has made the Thunder a hub for emerging prospects, and while not every player finds long-term success, many leave their imprint on the organization.
As the Thunder continue to build toward the future, the legacy of every jersey number worn in franchise history remains an essential part of the team’s evolution. No. 17 may not be the most iconic jersey in Thunder or Sonics history, but it has been carried by players who added to the franchise’s ongoing journey, including Pokusevski’s unique and memorable tenure.
With each jersey number, there’s a story—a player who wore it, the games they played, and the moments they created. Whether it was a fan favorite, a promising draft pick, or a player passing through, these numbers represent the rich tapestry of Thunder basketball history. As we continue this deep dive into the numbers that shaped the franchise, No. 17 stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, where young players chase their dreams and carve their paths on the court.
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